Electricity Conservation
As the seasons change, so do our electricity bills. It’s no secret that costs can spiral during the sweltering summer months and the crisp winter season. Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are numerous Great Ways to Conserve Electricity and Save Money at Home. With a few tweaks to your daily routine, you could decrease your electricity usage significantly. Here’s how you can trim down your electricity bill and save those extra bucks.
1. Master the Art of Natural Ventilation
“Ventilation is the intentional introduction of outdoor air into a space.” – Wikipedia
Optimal Ventilation Methods that Save Energy
Every home has a unique layout and a corresponding optimal way to ventilate naturally without using electricity. While it’s unrealistic to depend on this method exclusively during peak summer days, you can leverage it to a large extent. For instance, opening your windows at night can let in a cool breeze, significantly lowering your home’s temperature.
Maintaining this temperature through the first part of the day can help reduce your reliance on the air conditioner (AC). The trick is to understand the best time to close your windows to prevent the intrusion of unwanted heat as the day progresses.
By becoming proficient in ventilating your home, you can limit the use of your AC to only the warmest parts of the day.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Did you know that a simple awning over your window can lower solar heat gain by a staggering 77%? Installing the right window blinds (both interior and exterior) can effectively block out heat during the summer and conserve it during winter.
Consider other options such as draperies, insulated panels, and high-reflectivity films to help conserve energy.
“An effective window treatment can reduce heat gain by up to 77%.”
3. Switch Off Heating or Cooling Systems When Away
When you’re away at work or on a vacation, consider turning off your heating or cooling systems. If it’s not winter, hit the off switch on your thermostat before you leave your home.
This tactic is one of the simplest ways to save a substantial amount on your electricity bill. Some advanced systems can even be programmed to switch back on shortly before you return home.
4. Use Cold Water Wherever Possible
Using cold water for laundry and dishwashing can help reduce your electricity costs. Hot water is usually only necessary for killing germs, making it ideal for items like towels and bed sheets.
Many types of clothing hold up better in cold water, so washing them on a delicate cycle can help extend their life while also cutting down on your electricity costs.
5. Dry Your Clothes Using Summer Heat
Summertime offers an excellent opportunity to air-dry your clothes. If you have space for a clothesline in your yard or patio, let the hot air work its magic. Not only is air-drying gentler on your clothes, but it also cuts your energy expenses.
6. Regularly Check Your Fridge and Freezer Seals
Your fridge and freezer are always on, which means they’re constantly consuming energy. However, they might be using more than necessary if their door seals have gaps.
Regularly checking and repairing loose seals can help you significantly reduce your energy expenditures.
7. Unplug Unused Appliances and Devices
Sometimes, we unknowingly contribute to our home heating up in the summer. For example, baking a dish in the oven for a couple of hours instead of cooking on the stove or grilling outside can unnecessarily heat up the house.
Leaving electronic devices plugged in when they’re not in use can also drain power. Remember to unplug these devices and switch off power strips when they’re not in use.
8. Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
If you’re still using old halogen and incandescent lights in your home, you’re likely wasting a significant amount of money on lighting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star-rated residential LED light bulbs use 75% less energy and can last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.
“Switching to LED lights can have a significant impact on energy savings.”
9. Improve Your Home’s Weatherstripping
Just as a poorly sealed fridge or freezer can leak cool air, a poorly sealed house can let air in and out unnecessarily. In the winter, this means letting in cold air, and in the summer, it means letting out cool air.
Improving your home’s weatherstripping can save you 20% or more on your heating and cooling costs.
10. Dress Appropriately for the Weather
With central heating and air conditioning, it’s easy to forget to dress appropriately for the weather. However, doing so can put an unnecessary strain on your energy budget. Dressing appropriately for the climate can help you reduce the need for heating or cooling.
Conclusion
Changing habits isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it when it comes to conserving electricity at home. Seeing a reduced electricity bill will make your efforts worthwhile, and you won’t be tempted to revert to your old energy practices. By implementing these Great Ways to Conserve Electricity and Save Money at Home, you could save hundreds of dollars each year!
