One of the easiest ways to save money is to save energy at home. You can start by simply paying attention. People who are aware of roughly how much energy they use typically use less energy than those who aren’t mindful.
BE AWARE OF ELECTRONICS - Electronic devices draw power whenever plugged in, even if they're turned off. TVs, video players, game consoles, laptops, phone chargers and other electronics are the biggest culprits. Plug them into a power strip that’s on a timer.
CHANGE FURNACE FILTERS - A furnace is the biggest energy consumer in a home. When dust builds up on the filter, the system has to work harder and longer to draw in return air. Check the filter often and replace it with a new one when you see gunk build-up.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR THERMOSTAT - The optimal winter thermostat settings are 68 degrees (day) and 55 degrees (night). If those numbers seem chilly, throw on a sweater, put a heavy blanket on your bed and let this fact warm you up: Turning down the heat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours every night can save 5 to 15 percent on your monthly heating bill. Control the temperature with your smartphone or a programmable thermostat.
WARM UP YOUR WATER HEATER - To reduce hot water use, wrap your water heater with an insulation jacket and cover the first 6 feet of water pipes connected to the heater with pipe insulation. Then, turn down the temperature.
BE SMART ABOUT LIGHTING - You've heard it before, but LED bulbs will save you big bucks. Replace your home's incandescent light bulbs with LEDs and you’ll save!
WRAP YOUR WINDOWS - Use a window insulator kit with thin, plastic sheeting, similar to adding an extra pane of glass in terms of insulation.
STOP AIR LEAKS - Electrical outlets are common areas where heat escapes and cold air enters. To beef up insulation, remove the outlet's cover plate, spray in a foam sealant and install a foam gasket over the outlet. Front doors can be another problem spot. Install weather stripping and replace it every few years. The majority of a home's heat escapes through the attic and basement. Reduce air leakage by sealing cracks with a foam gun and sealant: Put your hand in every corner and crevice to feel for cold air, then spray away.
USE YOUR MICROWAVE MORE - It's more energy efficient than your stove. When you do use the oven, don't let it heat longer than necessary and be sure the door's seal is sound so heat won't escape. Also, keep your stovetop clean to radiate heat more efficiently.
LET YOUR WASHER HELP DRY YOUR CLOTHES - Dryers can use the most energy of all household appliances, so add an extra spin cycle when washing to help wring out excess moisture from clothes. And remember to remove the lint from your dryer's filter, which helps clothes dry more efficiently.
Source: Press Release
