One of the easiest ways to save money on your utility bills is by making your home more energy-efficient. To help you out, we’ve gathered some of the most effective, easy-to-implement tips to make your home run more efficiently and cut down on your power usage. Take a look at the below article and see which of these tips you can use in your own home to make it energy efficient!
1) Install LED lights
LED bulbs are typically more energy-efficient than incandescent light bulbs. Actually traditional bulbs consume only 10% of their electricity as light and 90% as heat so they waste 90% of the power. LEDs use 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 10 times longer. So it’s not just about saving electricity but also about reducing maintenance costs.
Also with LEDs, you don’t have to wait for them to warm up like traditional bulbs. You can turn them on instantly which saves energy as well as time. Also, LEDs provide cool daylight that is great for reading and working while consuming minimal electricity.
2) Always Properly Insulate Windows
For the proper heating and cooling system in the home, you have to use proper insulation. If your home is not insulated properly then it will not be able to keep heat or cool air inside. If your home is poorly insulated, you may end up paying more for energy bills than necessary.
Almost 25-30% of energy usage can be the result of energy loss due to poorly insulated windows and doors. Proper insulation helps your home retain heat in winter and cool air in summer helping you save money on your utility bills as well.
3) Get an energy audit
When making your home more energy-efficient, it’s always a good idea to get an energy audit. An energy auditor will come into your home and identify where you are using too much electricity and what steps you can take to reduce that usage. They will also make recommendations on how to increase efficiency in areas of your home that aren’t currently being used effectively.
Some utility companies offer free energy audit programs, so be sure to check with your local utility company for more information. You can also search online for local contractors who provide energy audits.
4) Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your home energy bills at the same time. If you want to make your system more energy-efficient, consider installing solar tracking devices, which move with the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing efficiency by up to 20%.
With a solar system installation, you can store the energy of the sun during peak sun hours and use it later in the evening or during peak load hours when utility rates are high. This will help you lower your monthly electric bill by making your home more energy-efficient.
5) Unplug Appliances if not in use
Most appliances, such as televisions and computers, use energy even when they’re turned off. It’s a good idea to unplug them if you won’t be using them for long periods of time. You can also purchase smart power strips that will automatically turn off your electronics at night or when you leave home. These are great because they eliminate phantom loads, which is the energy consumed by electronic devices even when switched off.
If the electrical appliances are kept on running continuously, then it will lead to an increase in energy consumption. The cost of electricity is directly proportional to its use and therefore if you want to save money by using less electricity, you should turn off your devices when not in use.
