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How to Save Energy In Your Home
Many homeowners are always looking for ways to save money but rarely look to the expense of their energy bills to do so. Maybe you think making simple changes won’t help or won’t save you enough money. Truthfully, it will help, and saving small amounts of money over time quickly adds up. If you’re looking to see a difference on your next energy bill, start making these changes today!
Lights
We always hear that we need to turn the lights off while leaving the room to save money. Although this does help lower your energy bills, a much more efficient option is replacing all of your light bulbs with LED bulbs. According to USA Today, doing this can save you around $9 on your energy bill every month. Even better, LED bulbs have an extended lifespan, lasting at least 10 years, if not longer. This trick will save you money in the short and the long run.
Water
Water heating is the second largest expense on your energy bills after heating and air conditioning. Yes, we know we need to turn the water off while we’re brushing our teeth, but how can we make a bigger impact? To conserve water, fix leaky faucets (wastes up to $35 per year according to energy.gov) and install low-flow shower heads. Installing low-flow shower heads can give you 25-60% of water savings according to energy.gov.
Windows
Did you know your windows could be contributing to your high energy bills? This could be the case for you for many different reasons. If your windows are improperly sealed or if they’re too thin, you could be losing conditioned air in your home. In warmer climates like ours along Florida’s Emerald Coast, heat gain through windows is also a problem. To save energy, replace your windows with thicker, energy efficient windows. Also, ensure they’re properly sealed, there is enough weatherstripping, and blinds or curtains stay opened or closed according to the weather (to let heat in, open curtains and blinds; to keep it out, close them).
Appliances
According to Energy Sage, 13% of your energy bills are made up by the use of appliances: dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators. For these big appliances, ensure you have the most energy efficient models. This can save you up to 25% on your energy bills each month. As for your smaller appliances, such as toaster ovens, coffee machines, and air fryers, to save energy, they should be unplugged and turned off after every use.
Washer & Dryer
We know washing with cold water and hanging your clothes to dry help to save a little money on our energy bills, but how can we make a bigger impact in the laundry room? ENERGY-STAR certified washers and dryers can help save some big bucks! According to Dayton Daily News, these washers and dryers use about 25 % less energy, and the washers themselves use about 45% less water. Even better, they also reduce your carbon footprint, so they’re much more environmentally friendly.
Fridge
Practicing smart habits with your refrigerator is a great way to save some extra bucks on your energy bills. Keeping the door closed as often as possible, keeping space between the wall and the fridge for good circulation, and keeping your freezer full are all great ways to save energy. However, to save bigger bucks, we recommend going with an ENERGY-STAR fridge. In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, these refrigerators are even 9% more energy efficient than models meeting federal minimum energy efficiency standards.
Heater & Air Conditioner
Heating and cooling our homes is by far the largest expense on our energy bills, making up about 46% of them every month according to Direct Energy. With this being the largest expense, it’s also where you can save the most money! Investing in an energy-efficient American Standard comfort system can save you up to 50% on your energy bills every month (depending on your current system). As an added bonus, they run quieter, produce better airflow, and have a longer life than systems made even 5 years ago.
What’s Next?
If you’re interested in a high efficiency comfort system contact Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. at 850-897-6540. We are a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Niceville, FL.
Our professional staff can answer any questions you might have. We will also make recommendations as to which system will work best for your individual home, family, and budget. Feel free to email us at info@gulfshoreair.com with any questions or inquiries. Be sure to visit us on Facebook and Instagram!
