5 No-Brainer Home Energy Efficiency Tips You Can Do Today
2017 is underway and you may be looking for ways to can save some money, be more environmentally friendly, give back. Well, here are 5 super easy home energy efficiency tips you can start today. Being green is easy, so try these out!
Insulate Electric Outlets
A cheap and simple piece of foam from any hardware store will help insulate your outlets and prevent heat from escaping into your walls during the winter and prevent hot air from coming in during the summer. You can buy them at the hardware store or make your own to fit.
Safety Tip: Make sure to turn off the power to the electric outlets (using home circuit breaker) before starting any work. Contact a professional if needed.
Seal Up Your Windows and Doors
On a cold or windy day, feel around the edge of all your windows and doors. Can you feel air moving or a particularly cold spot? Use weather stripping or caulking to reinforce the seal and keep your heated/cooled air in where you want it.
Pro Tip: using a candle or incense instead of your hand around the seals will give you a clear indication of air movement.
Water Efficient Shower Heads and Sink Nozzles
These nozzles can be purchased at any hardware store and will drastically reduce the amount of water used for the same task. Newer methods do not have the same issues as past low-flow technology so you can still enjoy good pressure and enjoyable warm water. Less water used= a more efficient home.
Of course, contact a professional plumber if you aren’t comfortable doing your own plumbing.
Only Turn the Heat or AC on When You Use It
There is no reason to heat an empty room. So while the house is empty all day why keep the heat on high? Turn it down a notch. Also, a smart thermostat will know when to heat the house up and when to let it cool. They can learn your behaviors (weird I know!) to help you be more green. These little devices can save you up to $100 a year or more without having to do much. And they probably have a slick app for you to control it with.
Cooler Washing and Cleaning the Lint Traps
Running your clothing washer on the hottest temperature is not great for your clothing and it is downright dirty for your energy bill. Using a warm setting instead of hot when washing clothing should get them just as clean, while prolonging their life and reducing your energy bills. Also, cleaning the lint from your dryer lint traps has dual benefits: it reduces the risk of fire and saves energy because the dryer does not have to work as hard.
These quick and easy tips will help you save money and be green with minimal time, energy and $$$. So get out there in the New Year and try some of these tips for your home.
Got other tips you recommend? Tell us what you think in the comment section below. You can find a short video of these tips on our YouTube channel here.
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