Easy Ways to Cut Home Energy Costs Today

Looking for some simple ways to cut energy costs this year? Here are a few tips and techniques that can help you reduce energy bills, help the environment and improve your home’s resale value.

Heating and Cooling
Do you have furniture positioned by your vents or radiators? By moving furniture away from these locations, warm or cool air can circulate through your home more effectively. At what temperature is your water heater? Did you know that for every 10 degrees you drop the temperature, you can reduce your power bill by 3-5%? Try lowering your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and watch the difference. Check your furnace filter. Cleaning or replacing it regularly can help cut energy costs as well. Finally, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This will help you closely monitor the temperature in your home.

Insulation
Air leaks in your home can form in a number of places, but about one-third of the escaped air comes from openings in ceilings, walls and floors. Is your home well insulated? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. Insulation is vital when it comes to retaining hot and cold air in your home, but it’s also great for diminishing noise and energy bills.

Water
Looking for a few simple solutions for cutting back on your water bill? Start by take shorter showers instead of baths, and washing full loads of clothing and dishes. Get leaks fixed promptly. One easy way to check your toilet for leaks is by putting food coloring in your toilet tank. If it leaks into the bowl, then you have a leak that needs to be addressed. Find and install a toilet that uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush. In the bathroom, it’s also smart to install water-saving showerheads.

Save water outdoors! Don’t cut more than one-third of the height of your grass blades. This allows for stronger roots, which help absorb water runoff. Water your plants and grass either in the morning or in the evening because water won’t evaporate as quickly.

Electricity
Aside from the basics—turning off lights and electronics when they aren’t in use—there are several easy ways you can cut your home electricity costs. First, switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Even changing just the five most frequently used bulbs in your house can save you $100 per year or more. When it comes to appliances, look for the Energy Star label. These appliances will be 10 to 50 percent more efficient than appliances without the label. Utilize power strips when you tap into an electricity source. Power strips cut down on “vampire electricity,” which is the electricity used while appliances and electronics are plugged into an outlet, but not in use. By flipping the “off” switch on a power strip, you’ll quickly put a stop to this.

By maximizing your home’s energy efficiency, you can increase its resale value while saving money at the same time. For more information on going green at home, consult the U.S. Department of Energy or check out RealLiving.com/green.

Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com