6 Very Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
As a future homeowner, you are no doubt looking for ways to reduce your spending on monthly energy bills.
Thankfully, there are new and innovative ways for increasing your home’s energy efficiency and reducing your bills, especially if you are shopping for new homes in Utah. Modern builders such as McArthur Homes are using the latest appliances, innovations and building techniques to help owners achieve maximum energy efficiency.
Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs With LED Bulbs
Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs reduce energy consumption by 25 to 35 percent while letting off minimal heat as opposed to incandescent bulbs — which can make your house hotter in the summer.
For basements, patios, garages and other areas that may see infrequent use, installing fixtures with built-in timers can further reduce energy consumption. In commonly-used areas, you can get into the habit of always turning the lights off when leaving the room.
Shut the Door When You Leave a Room
One of the most simple tips we can offer is to shut the door. When it comes to heating or cooling, think in terms of rooms instead of homes. It takes much less energy to just heat or cool a room, so shut the door to the areas you aren’t using. Also, make sure your curtains/blinds are sealed properly, especially if it is extremely hot. Outside temperatures affect indoor temperatures, especially if there is no barrier to keep the air from leaking in or out.
Unplug Unused Power Cables When Not in Use
Appliances and phone chargers that are plugged in while not being used can allow small amounts of electricity to be wasted. This can build up to big, unnecessary spending on energy bills over time. In fact, appliances and electronics account for about 20%, on average, of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. If you unplug power cables or turn off power strips throughout the house when not in use, you can save significantly over time.
Wash Cold and Hang Dry
Up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes into heating up the water. Skip this use of power by choosing the “cold” setting when possible or better yet, you can skip the washing machine altogether and wash your clothes by hand. Also, you can hang-dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. Additionally, you can cut down on litter and waste by making your own laundry soap.
Program Your Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on your overall heating and cooling costs by simply programming your thermostat. Simply set your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees when you’re asleep or away from home. A programmable or smart thermostat can take care of doing that work for you.
Install Low-Flow Shower Heads
Modern technology has helped create energy-efficient showers, faucets and toilets which use far less water than older types of fixtures. These accessories can greatly reduce daily water usage by many gallons. Plus, you can develop the habit of making sure all sink and shower spigots are completely turned off so that overnight dripping does not occur. With the help of modern technology, conserving water is a simple way to reduce the energy bill.
As a soon-to-be new homeowner, it is a smart idea to start considering the best ways to conserve energy so that you can save on monthly bills. Contact us to learn more about newly-built houses which are designed to be eco-friendly.
Categorized in: DIY Project, New Home Tips
This post was written by Paige Giles
