It’s the one bill many homeowners dread: a high energy bill. When a higher than usual energy bill comes in the mail, homeowners begin to ask everyone in the
household why the bill is so high. During this time, new rules in the house are laid out.
No more leaving a room without shutting off the light. No more leaving the house without raising or lowering the temperature first, depending on the temperature outside. These are some ways to save energy at home, but there are other ways you can save energy at home by making a few upgrades.
If you’re not sure how to save energy at home and are looking for a few good examples, then you’ll want to continue reading below. Here’s everything you need to know!
Table of Contents
1. Install and Tint Energy-Saving Windows
Your home’s windows allow lots of beautiful natural light to enter your home. You enjoy having this light, but with it comes heat. If you haven’t inspected the windows in a while, then they might even have small cracks or holes in their seals, allowing cool air to leave and hot air to enter or vice versa.
The best thing you can do is to install energy-saving windows with double panes. These windows ensure no cool or hot air exits your home. They also help protect your home from the sun’s harsh rays.
To take things even further, you can consider home window tinting as well. The tint on the windows will also help keep your home cool during the brutal summer months.
2. Purchase a Smart Thermostat
Each time you leave your house, it’s a good habit to adjust your thermostat. If it’s cooler outside, then you’ll want to turn the thermostat down. If it’s hotter outside, then you’ll want to raise the thermostat.
Remembering to do so isn’t always the easiest task, however. With the purchase of a smart thermostat, you can set it to switch to a specific degree for certain times of the day. You can also control it from your smartphone. If you’re coming home early and want the house to be warm, then you can turn the heat on from your phone on your way home!
There are also other features on a smart thermostat designed to help you save energy.
3. Switch to All Energy-Saving Appliances
Many appliances in your home can be switched out to energy-saving appliances. Your washer and dryer, your dishwasher, and a few other appliances as well come in energy-saving designs. It’s a great idea to switch out your old appliances for new ones that’ll help you save energy.
If you’re unable to do this all at once, then do it as you’d make your normal upgrades. For example, when your washing machine begins to give you trouble and starts to age, be sure to replace it with an energy-saving one.
Another great tip is to fill appliances before using them. This is true for both your washing machine and your dishwasher. You should also use cool temperature settings, and dry clothes outside on a line if possible.
4. Check the Insulation
When’s the last time you checked the quality of the insulation in your home? If you don’t know the answer, then that might be a sign it’s time to do so. Upgrading the insulation in your home can help you save.
As time progresses, new and improved insulation is created. To keep your home well-insulated and prevent the need to use a lot of energy to either heat it up or cool it down, you should look into the latest insulation options on the market.
5. Plant Trees, Bushes, or Shrubs
A great way to protect your home from the heat of the sun is to plant trees, bushes, or shrubs around the windows. Not only will this add to your home’s curb appeal, but all of these options will cast shade over your home and around the windows, keeping it much cooler during the summer.
When doing this, make sure to look into the best type of trees and shrubs to plant in your area. If you don’t have a green thumb, then you’ll want to find easy to care for options that won’t require a lot of maintenance.
6. Unplug Electronics Not in Use
If you were to do a walkthrough in your home, then you’d most likely find many different electronics plugged into the walls not being used. Televisions, phone chargers, toasters, lamps, and other items left plugged into the wall can use energy even if they’re not turned on. Although some items might not be easy to get to, other items with easily accessible plugs should be unplugged when you’re done using them.
Make this a habit for the entire family, and you’ll see a decrease in your energy bill.
7. Replace All Light Bulbs in the House
Do you currently use energy-saving light bulbs in your entire house? If not, then make the switch. Just about every lightbulb in your home has an energy-saving option.
Replacing one or two lightbulbs might not make a huge difference on your bill, but replacing all of the lightbulbs in the house might. Take a shot and consider using only energy-saving lightbulbs throughout the entire house and see the difference in your next bill.
What Ways to Save Energy at Home Will You Try?
Which ways to save energy at home do you think will work well for you and your family? Be sure to try out several ideas listed above. When you’re able to combine all of these ways to save, that’s when you’ll see the biggest difference.
If you’re interested in more topics about the home, then don’t forget to check back here on a regular basis for more!
Infographic Provided By The Solar Energy Company, Route 66 Solar
