There are simple ways to save energy in your home that can also save you money all year long. We have a list of 8 things you can do to start racking up the savings and make your home more energy efficient!

Thermostat

Properly programming a programmable thermostat can save 10% on your heating and cooling. Considering climate control accounts for half your house’s energy use that shaves 5% off your total electricity bill! Set it to remain off while you are at work and while you are asleep to maximize the savings.

Sunlight

In the summer months, sunlight can really heat up your home, which drives up your energy bill. There are window treatments that allow you to get all the natural sunlight without the added heat. This allows you to use natural sunlight instead of artificial light to brighten your home without the need to run the AC nonstop.

Energy Star

Energy Star certified appliances are about 20-30% more efficient than uncertified models of the same appliance. By using all Energy Star qualified appliances in your home, you could save about $750 worth of electricity over the life of the appliances.

Lighting

Just replacing 5 of the most used incandescent bulbs in your home can save you $75/year in lighting costs. Switch to LED lights that offer unbeatable brightness combined with unprecedented longevity. LED bulbs can last upwards of 20 years!

Power Strips

Consolidating electronics into power strips helps keep things organized, but it can also save money. If your entertainment center is all plugged into a power strip, simply turn off the strip when the center is not in use, and you will stop all the electricity flowing to the electronics, including the sneaky vampire effect of powered down appliances drawing power!

Water

Lowering the temperature setting on your water heater from 140°F to 120° and installing low-flow shower heads can really reduce energy consumption through water use. Insulating your hot water pipes will also reduce heating needs. HVAC

Maintenance

Keep your heating and cooling system in prime working order by having a professional tune it up. It’s best to tune the system up every 6 months, just before winter and just before summer. The longer you wait, the more costly the tune up can be.

Energy Audit

Have a professional energy audit conducted on your home to see where you can continue reaping the savings. Energy audits find the spots in your home where energy is being wasted, often from air leaks. Once the audit is complete, you’ll know what to tackle next to get your home in prime energy efficiency condition!