Energy Saving Tips and Ideas to Save You Money
Inflation and the cost of living are expected to rise dramatically in 2023. Families will have to put out more money for everyday living. Don’t worry, there is hope. One area where you can save some money is in your energy bill. Here are 5 energy saving tips and ideas to help you save money.
Save on Lighting Costs
Lighting can account for 12% of a typical home utility bill. One of the simplest and easiest ways to save money on your energy bill is to turn off the light in a room when you leave it. It’s a great habit to get into. Smart home lighting systems can even detect when you enter or leave a room and turn lights off accordingly. You can also save money on lighting costs by having your lights on a timer for evenings, instead of leaving them on the entire time you are not home.
While we are on the topic of lighting, when a bulb burns out, consider replacing them with energy efficient LED light bulbs. LED bulbs are initially more expensive to buy than a traditional light bulb, however, they last many times longer and require less energy to use, making this one of the easiest ways to save money.
Save in the Laundry Room
Everyone has to wash their clothes. Energy experts recommend that when you do the laundry, wash your clothes in cold water as much as possible. Roughly 90% of the energy cost of running a washing machine goes towards heating the water. If you are not heating the water, that translates into a huge savings over the course of a year. Also, choose to hang dry your clothes when you can, thus saving money by not running the dryer. Making sure your large appliances are energy efficient can also help in the long run despite initial replacement costs.
Save on Windows and Doors
Another way to save money on energy costs is to make sure your home has properly sealed windows and doors. Properly insulating your home can save you 10% on your heating and cooling costs. If your home has single pane windows, consider upgrading to more energy efficient windows, ensuring your weatherstripping is in good condition, or adding solar shades or tinting film. Also try keeping the blinds, shades, and drapes closed during the warmer months to keep the heat out, which will keep your home’s temperature cooler and reduce the work of your air conditioner. In the cooler months, open the curtains and blinds to let the sun in and help warm up the room.
Save in the Kitchen
Defrosting your fridge and freezer when ice begins to build up will help your freezer run more efficiently and reduce the overall energy needed. Try to prevent the ice from building up. Also, did you know that fridges and freezers actually run more efficiently when they are full? Keeping the fridge and freezer fully stocked not only helps with meal planning but also saves you money in the long run. As with the laundry room, make sure your large appliances are energy efficient models.
Save Throughout the House
If you are tired of constantly changing the thermostat in an attempt to make the temperature comfortable, make your life easier and save money by investing in a smart thermostat or a programmable one. Smart thermostats will adjust the temperature dynamically, saving you money by finding opportunities that you were unaware of. Programmable thermostats will automatically adjust the temperature based on your chosen preset temperature preferences. Try setting your thermostat to 21°C when you are home during the daytime and 16°C overnight and when you are out. Every degree of extra temperature will increase energy usage 6%-8%.
After taking these energy saving tips into consideration, the upfront cost associated with making these changes is minimal compared to your savings over the course of a year.