Energy efficiency refers to using less energy for performing the same task to eliminate energy waste. Conserving energy is essential for saving money and guaranteeing a better future. Improve your energy habits by starting at home.

Understand what uses the most energy in your home to begin implementing practical solutions for saving energy.

Heating and Cooling

HVAC systems account for 46% of an average home’s energy consumption. Managing your HVAC system’s energy usage and maintaining your home’s temperature assists in drastically reducing your overall energy expenses.

Saving Solutions

Heating and cooling solutions available for saving energy include adjusting your thermostat to 78F during the summer and down to 65F during the winter. Additionally, avoid adjusting your HVAC system whenever possible by using ceiling fans, opening or closing curtains, and dressing appropriately.

Another method for managing your home’s temperature is purchasing a programmable or smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to create personalized settings using your smartphone for easily conserving energy while you’re asleep, at work, or on vacation.

Water Heating

Water heaters are generally responsible for 14% of your energy bill. Using electricity for heating water occurs daily over lengthy periods of time, significantly increasing your utility expenses.

Saving Solutions

Tips for saving money on water heating include setting your water heater at a lower temperature, preferably 120F or lower. Consider also insulating your water heater and pipes to preserve more hot water.

Focus on reducing your water usage to decrease your energy expenses even more. Simply monitor your water usage by taking shorter showers and not allowing the faucet to run. Alternatively, conserve water without thinking about it by installing low-flow faucets and shower heads. Low-flow faucets and shower heads feature an aerator for reducing water usage and supplying air to create sufficient water pressure.

Appliances

Appliances use approximately 13% of your home’s energy. Appliances are regularly used, meaning changing your practices will immediately minimize your energy consumption.

Saving Solutions

Several solutions are available for lessening your appliances energy usage, including:

  • Refrigerator: Cleaning behind and underneath the refrigerator; setting the recommended temperature, usually between 36 and 38 degrees; and keeping the doors closed.
  • Oven and Stove: Using smaller appliances when possible; avoiding opening the door; choosing glass or ceramic dishes; placing lids on dishes; and matching a pot’s size to the correct burner.
  • Dishwasher: Running full loads; pre-rinsing dirty dishes; and allowing dishes to air dry.
  • Washer and Dryer: Running full loads; using cold water; removing lint; and letting clothes air dry when possible.

Additionally, purchase energy-efficient appliances to instantly reduce your home’s energy usage.

Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 9% of a typical home’s energy consumption. Improving your lighting is a simple method for saving energy.

Saving Solutions

Conserve energy by replacing your light bulbs with energy-efficient models, specifically LEDs or CFLs. LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs, meaning you instantly save money every time you flip a switch.

Decrease your home’s lighting usage further by developing mindful habits, such as turning off lights and using more natural light.

Electronics

Electronics use about 4% of your home’s energy usage. Electronics constantly consume energy for entertainment purposes, such as watching TV or playing video games, which increases your electric bill.

Saving Solutions

Primarily, reduce energy usage by turning off or unplugging your electronics. Electronics can steal energy even while they’re turned off, so guarantee you’re not wasting energy. Consider purchasing power strips to easily unplug multiple electronic devices at once.

While you’re using your electronics, save money by turning down the screen’s brightness or choosing more portable devices.

Alternative Solutions

Alternative solutions for saving energy include changing your home’s energy source. For example, deregulated energy markets give you the power to choose your energy provider based on rates, providing instant savings and greater control. Changing energy providers allows you to save energy and money for you and your home on a larger scale. If you live in a deregulated energy market, search and compare power in Texas to discover the perfect option for your home.

Understand what uses the most energy in your home to develop practical solutions for saving energy.

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.