How To Be More Energy Efficient In The New Year
October 13, 2022
Are you looking for a doable resolution to start the new year? Think about improving your energy efficiency. You could save a few—or even a few—dollars per month on your electricity bill. The amount of energy your household uses can be decreased in a variety of ways, from small behavioral changes to significant housing renovations. The reduction of electricity costs and environmental protection are the two main reasons for energy conservation.
How to Use Energy Efficiently Going Forward
Light Bulbs That Use Less Energy
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs should be used instead of normal bulbs because they produce the same quantity of light more effectively. Use the proper CFL bulb for each light fixture, and think about utilizing timers to automatically turn lights on and off during the day.
An adjustable thermostat
Upgrade to a programmable thermostat so you can set different temperatures for different times of the day. The Department of Energy estimates that programmable thermostats could reduce heating and cooling expenditures by 10% annually. Maintaining the temperature inside your home at a level that is comparable to the outside temperature is also more economical. The amount of your electricity bill that goes toward cooling your home can reach 50%. Your thermostat should be set as high as is comfortable. For each higher setting of the thermostat, energy savings range from two to four percent. The more energy you save, the lower your energy bills will be because of the higher setting. Check Vivint Element Thermostat to learn more
Energy Efficient Air Conditioner
Up to 15% less energy might be used by your cooling system when you service your air conditioner by changing or cleaning air filters, for example. Set a calendar reminder on the first day of spring to inspect the evaporator coil in your air conditioner. To make sure the system is operating at its best, this should be cleaned annually.
Reduce Cooling Costs by Using Ceiling Fans
You can increase your thermostat by four degrees by using ceiling fans to cool your home. This can assist in reducing your electricity costs without reducing your level of comfort. In the summer, they ought to be rotating counterclockwise to force air downward and chill the house. When the house is vacant, be careful to switch off the ceiling fans. In the summer, turn your ceiling counterclockwise so that the fans can lower cooler air into the space. Because your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to chill your home, this easy step can help circulate the cooler air in the space and reduce your electric bill.
Also Read: Can I Run My Whole House on Solar Power?
ENERGY STAR
When purchasing a new energy-consuming product or appliance, read the label carefully. To improve efficiency and save money, look for products with the ENERGY STAR logo. For instance, ENERGY STAR TVs are typically 30% more efficient than conventional versions.
Make wise use of your appliances
Utilize your appliances wisely and keep in mind that sometimes it’s the simple things that count. A full freezer maintains the proper temperature more effectively, so here are a few pointers. Effective energy use on your stovetop is supported by using the proper pot size for your burner. Additionally, washing and drying multiple loads of clothes simultaneously consumes less energy than waiting for appliances to completely cool between loads.
Let the Refrigerator Breathe
Cleaning the condenser coils on the rear or bottom of your refrigerator every three months can give it some breathing room. Maximum heat transfer will be possible as a result, and the condenser won’t have to work too hard. Additionally, maintain the refrigerator and freezer at or below 40° F (4° C) and 0° F (-18° C), respectively, as these are the suggested temperatures for securely storing food. If you want one that uses less energy, look for an Energy Star® model of a new refrigerator. Additionally, don’t forget to discard your old refrigerator through the PNM Refrigerator Recycling program.
Energy Efficient Windows
Think about putting in high-performance windows. The demand for heating and cooling in a home can be accounted for by up to 50% of heat gain and loss through windows, according to ENERGY STAR. New window technologies, such as double glazing and low-E coatings, can significantly minimize heat gain and loss. To ensure that you’re purchasing the most energy-efficient windows, look for the ENERGY STAR label.
Room heaters
Running space heaters constantly will drive up your energy costs. Space heaters are excellent for sporadic use to briefly warm a specific section of your home. If you run them for longer periods of time, your heating bill might be lower, but your energy bill will almost surely be higher.
Using Natural Heat
Use your windows to heat and cool rooms wherever possible. Window coverings like blinds or curtains should be kept to a minimum or left open to allow more sunshine into the space, which will produce heat. Areas stay colder when windows are covered.
Washing Clothes
You might save up to 40 cents for every load of laundry if you wash your clothes in cold water. Using low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can save a lot of electricity.
Utilizing Power Strips
When not in use, plug electronics into a power strip and switch the strip off. Avoid using energy vampires, such as plugged-in coffee makers, phone chargers, computer screen savers, and practically anything else that is plugged in but not being used, as they use energy and raise monthly expenses.
Adjust your day-to-day behaviors
You don’t always need to go out and buy energy-efficient products if you want to lower energy usage in your home. Simply shutting off lights or appliances when not in use can help you conserve energy. By carrying out household chores by hand, such as washing dishes by hand or hanging up your clothing to dry instead of using a dryer, you can also use energy-intensive appliances less.
Turning down the heat on your thermostat in the winter and using your air conditioner less in the summer are the behavioral changes that have the greatest potential to reduce your utility costs. The greatest savings are provided by these decreases in the intensity and frequency of heating and cooling, which account for roughly half of an average home’s utility costs.
You can utilize tools to determine which gadgets in your home consume the most electricity on a daily basis and where the majority of your electricity is going.
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