Out of the 45 percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions, 25 percent make a resolution to spend less and save more. The one place that can make a big difference in whether you’re successful in that resolution is how much energy you use at home.
At Weather Master & Mr. Plumber, we want to help you achieve your goals, whatever they might be. So here are a few energy saving resolutions you can easily do at home:
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Did you know that a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills? It’s easy to do, too, just adjust the temperature for when you’re asleep or not home. Yet another way to save money!)
Seal the Leaks
Cold air seeping into your home during the winter, or your cool air seeping out of the home in the summer can be a big efficiency sucker. Air leaks can be found around electrical outlets and switch plates, door and window frames, attic hatches, television and phone lines, dryer vents, etc. You can learn more about air leaks in our blog from last month.
Toss the Old
Older appliances can waste a lot of energy. You might not know it, but appliances and electronics can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s energy usage. So, when you have older, non-Energy Star accredited appliances sucking up energy, it can be a suck out your wallet. Upgrading to Energy Star appliances will not only save you money on your energy bill, but you could be eligible for tax incentives.
Power Up to Power Down
Using a power strip helps you battle a little known demon in your home called “energy vampires.” Even when an appliance or electronic is not in use, if it’s plugged into the wall, it’s still drawing power. By using a power strip, you can turn off the power to the appliances plugged in when you’re not using it.
And in case you’re on a roll, here are a few more ideas you can use to save energy this year:
- Use landscaping around your home for shade
- Insulate your attic
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs
- Lower the temperature on your hot water heater
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Shorten your shower time
- Turn lights off when you’re not in the room
- Install ceiling fans—by using them in the summer you can turn up the air conditioning and turn down the heat
- Perform routine maintenance on all your equipment, including your heating and air conditioning system
- Recycle, reduce and reuse
Making even some of the smallest changes will make a big impact on your home’s energy usage, saving you money and sanity.
If you’re wanting to save money on your heating and cooling system or plumbing, contact Weather Master and we’ll work with you to help achieve your resolutions this year.