Reducing energy consumption reduces carbon emissions, improving quality of life and air quality. Saving energy positively impacts the environment and reduces your energy bill. Combining simple energy-saving changes can potentially reduce your energy bill. Here are some home energy saving tips you can try.
1. Clean and replace air filters regularly.
Before entering your heating and cooling system, the air filter sucks dust, dirt, particles and other contaminants from the air. Over time, filters can become clogged, which restricts airflow, meaning your HVAC system must work harder to meet your home’s heating and cooling requirements. The extra strain on the system uses more energy than required, inflating your energy bill. Cleaning and replacing your home’s air filter regularly keeps your heating and cooling system running optimally, reducing energy use and saving on electric bills.
2. Switch to energy-efficient lighting
LEDs are an energy-efficient alternative that you can use to save energy. Incandescent bulbs operate through a heating process that consumes a lot of energy, increasing your utility bill. Residential LEDs, primarily Energy Star rated, consume at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), especially those with the Energy Star label, are certified to reduce energy consumption.
3. Air seal your home
Air leaks in and out of your home through walls, doors, windows and other openings lead to wasted energy and high utility bills. Sealing all of these openings and cracks and insulating the attic, floors above basements and crawl spaces significantly reduces energy consumption levels. Weatherstripping and caulking can effectively seal the air in your home, saving energy.
Caulking allows you to seal openings and cracks in stationary components of the home, including door and window frames. Weatherstripping seals the moving parts of your home, such as operable windows and doors. Before air sealing your home, examine your ventilation requirements for indoor air quality.
4. Save energy with your refrigerator
Depending on the model and mode of use, refrigerators can consume a lot of energy. If your refrigerator is old, replace it with a new one, preferably an energy-efficient one. Avoid placing your refrigerator near heat sources such as an oven, radiator, ceramic hob or direct sunlight. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation to prevent your compressor from running continuously. Use the correct temperature settings to save energy.
Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator and examine the door seals regularly to make sure they are intact and tightly sealed. Every time you open your refrigerator door, warm air goes in and cold air comes out, causing it to use more energy to reach normal temperature. Closing the door promptly can help save energy.
5. Automate your home
Smart home automation systems allow you to control lighting, climate, security and more conveniently from your mobile device. The system’s motion sensors can turn off lights when they are no longer needed. Lighting can also be set to automatically dim as the sun goes down. A home automation system allows you to regulate the temperature by scheduling the changes you want to be met throughout the day.
Introducing a programmable mode into your home’s temperature allows you to enjoy consistent energy savings. Smart home automation systems also allow you to program automated motorized blinds to close at predetermined times of the day and ceiling fans programmed to turn on and off at specific times, reducing energy consumption.
Final Note
Energy bills contribute to a massive portion of your monthly budget. Consider applying the above home energy saving tips to reduce energy consumption and electricity bills.