The winter months are upon us so that means it is time to think of ways to save on your energy bills. Here are some creative ways in which you can save a bunch of money on energy.
Replace Your Single-Pane Windows: If you have single-pane windows, consider replacing them. Single-pane windows let a lot of heat escape and therefore will cost you a lot in heating bills. Single-pane windows are not very common in newer homes but they were used in many homes that were built before the 1970s.
Put In Insulation: If your house does not include insulation, you need to remedy this situation right away. This problem can literally save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year in heating costs. Like single-pane windows, you shouldn’t really have to worry about this if your house was made in the 1970s or after. If you want to buy insulation, the cheapest and most effective type of insulation is fiberglass.
Install A Thermostat: A thermostat automates heating and air conditioning in your home and will control the temperature of your house when you are not home. A programmable thermostat will cost you about $80 to buy. However, it can save you almost $200 a year with an already energy-efficient home.
Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Fluorescent light bulbs cost quite a bit less than incandescent light bulbs and are also more energy efficient. According to the EPA, Americans would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes a year just by replacing their incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Wash Clothes In Cold Water: Did you know that about 90 percent of the cost from washing your clothes comes from heating up the hot water for the machine? Instead of washing your clothes with hot water, try washing with cold water instead. Additionally, set the water level to match the load of your laundry.
Cut Your Shower Time: Showers use up a lot of hot water. If everyone in your family cuts their shower time, it can translate into huge savings. Cutting shower time from 30 minutes to 10 minutes will save water-heating costs by 50 percent.
Turn Off Monitor When Not In Use: Computer monitors account for most of the energy expended when using a computer. It is a hassle to constantly turn off your cpu. But at the very least, turn off the monitor when you are not using the computer. This also goes for tvs at your house.
Lower The Thermostat On The Water Heater: The water heater heating at 120 degrees is sufficient for most home-use purposes. Any higher than that is wasted energy. So check the thermostat on your water heater and turn it down if necessary.
Seal All Drafts: If there are any crevices in your house that are open to drafts, go ahead and seal it. If there are openings, it does two things—it lets heat escape and it also lets cold air come in during the winter months. Either way, it is not good for your heating bill.
Drain Your Water Heater: Once a year, drain your water heater. This gets rid of all the excess sediments inside and makes you water heater operate more efficiently.
