Our homes are constantly consuming energy. Whether we’re running the air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave or running a load of laundry as part of a normal routine, there’s no denying that we waste a lot of energy — which is usually reflected in our utility bills.
Fortunately, there are many ways to conserve energy. In fact, there are many small steps you can take to lower your energy usage that can make a significant difference. Of course, it can sometimes be difficult for homeowners to know where to start. If you want to change your routine while saving money in the process, let’s go over five easy ways to save energy at home.
Why Is It Important to Save Energy?
Saving energy can have various benefits, and there are many reasons why homeowners all across the country are taking steps to make a difference. When it comes down to it, cutting back on energy positively impacts the environment. When we waste less money, we can cut back on carbon emissions. Of course, the average household can also save money on their energy bills. When you try out new ways to conserve energy, you can see which ones impact your energy costs most.
1. Be Mindful of Your Energy Usage
There are many easy ways to save energy at home, such as simply turning devices off once you’re finished using them. If you leave a room, turn off the lights on your way out. You should also consider using natural light whenever possible. If your phone has finished charging, unplug the charger from the outlet. If you tend to run laundry with hot water, consider cold water instead (when appropriate). Although turning off lights and unplugging devices may sound like little changes, this wasteful energy can add up over time.
You should also check if the windows and doors in your home have been sealed properly. When you run your air conditioner, the newly-cooled air can seep through cracks if you’re not careful. Weatherstripping can help stop the cool air from escaping — which can help you stay comfortable and save money.
2. Rethink the Light Bulbs You Use
Do you use incandescent light bulbs? If you want easy ways to save energy at home, it might be time to switch to LEDs. When it comes down to it, incandescent bulbs are less energy efficient than LED bulbs and often have a shorter lifespan.
3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re looking for one of the most effective ways to conserve energy, you might consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. The various appliances in your home — from the water heater to the air conditioner — consume a lot of energy on a regular basis. When you invest in highly-efficient appliances for your home, you can reap more than just energy savings.
For starters, efficient appliances are known to have longer lifespans. This is because they don’t have to work as hard to provide you with cool air, heated water, and so forth. These appliances can also improve your household’s overall comfort.
4. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Do you forget to adjust the thermostat when you leave the house? Smart thermostats make it easy to create a schedule for your heating and cooling needs. These thermostats can be controlled right from your smartphone or tablet.
When it comes to trying easy ways to save energy at home, it’s important to find solutions that make sense for you and your lifestyle. If you think you could benefit from a thermostat upgrade, reach out to a professional for more information.
5. Properly Maintain Your HVAC System
Although we’ve put it at the end of our list, it’s important to keep up with the needs of your air conditioner and heating system. One of the easiest ways to conserve energy is to replace your HVAC system air filter. It’s best to replace these air filters every 30 days.
If your HVAC system has a dirty or clogged air filter, this makes it difficult for it to function correctly. In fact, your AC or heater will likely need to work twice as hard to meet your needs — which will cause your electric bill to spike. This constant wear and tear could also result in you calling a Clermont AC repair specialist. When your air conditioner has to push its limits to keep you cool, it will lose its energy efficiency. As a result, you may find yourself needing to schedule a repair sooner than later.
Keep Your HVAC System Running Efficiently With Arlinghaus
There are several easy ways to save energy at home. All you need to do is find a few methods that work for you. Once you’ve created a plan for you and your household to follow, you will start to see that even the smallest steps can make a world of difference.
Is your air conditioner struggling to meet your cooling needs? Although this issue can get in the way of your comfort, it can also cause your energy bills to rise. Arlinghaus is here to help with an energy-efficient air conditioning installation in Union, KY, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our professional and knowledgeable team!