Most Americans are either trying to become more energy efficient or trying to save money. There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient without spending a dime. Here are a few tips on how to make your home energy efficient.
Change the temp:
If you are wanting a more energy efficient home, make an appointment to speak with Sanford Electric Company II, Inc. professionals. There are multiple ways we can impact clients’ energy usage. To obtain in depth, personalized advice, be sure to speak with us about a one on one consultation.
First, we would like to share simple ways older children can help out with a home’s energy usage. The first tip we will start with was most likely introduced in your childhood, changing the thermostat. Heating and cooling can make up about forty-eight percent of a home’s energy consumption.
Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or just help pay for your family’s bill, putting a dollar amount on every degree can be extremely impactful. This is especially true for those that cannot get comfortable, either physically or mentally, at that hotter or cooler temperature. Knowing the actual dollar amount a person can save themself truly is a motivator.
Now the direction of which you are changing the temp depends on whether it is hot or cool temperatures outside of the home. If it is scorching temperatures outside, raise the temperature to a comfortable degree. If it is snowing outside, you have a few more scenarios. But the general rule of thumb for saving money is to lower the temperature if it is cold outside of the home.
In winter months, for native Floridians this term doesn’t normally get thrown around, consider turning off the AC altogether. If you have a natural burning fireplace, this is the perfect time to use it. For most Florida residents, this option is not usually relevant.
However, if you are one of the few, use the natural burning fireplace to your advantage while keeping the heating and cooling turned off. Second best, utilize a gas burning fireplace.
While cooking and baking, you may not need to turn on a fireplace. There are a plethora of ways for getting settled into an energy efficient lifestyle. The first step is assess your usual lifestyle habits in the home.
Have an inspector look around your home for physical ways to change the energy efficiency of your home. Sealing air leaks in and around the windows. Often times, there are even slight sealing gaps where the wall meets the ceiling. Sealing these gaps or any cracks with silicone caulk is in your best interest. If these changes do not decrease your usage, contact us for necessary updating.
Simple changes for all ages:
This is when you have potential to reflect on the family’s average usage. For most families, convenience leads to comfort. In turn, daily habits fight ability to change and improve energy efficiency.
Sharing the importance with your partner or children is a great way to communicate why you need to be more energy efficient. Unplugging unused chargers is a simple energy efficient action family members of most ages can assist with.
Phone chargers, computer chargers, and just about any others can be racking up dollar amounts. Not only are unused chargers using energy, they can be actual threats to your safety. Unused chargers fall into the energy vampire category.
Energy vampires, just like unused chargers, can collectively amount to ten percent of a a home’s energy bill. Pop online and check out deals or low-flow shower heads. They are typically very affordable and even come in bulk packs. Conventional shower heads use five gallons per minute while low-flow use about two and a half gallons per minute.
Easy fixes that are not energy efficient:
Even though some purchases may cost you less up front, they may rack up your bill in the long run. Space heaters are a prime example. They may not cost much and do a great job of heating your feet or a small room, but most are not energy efficient.
Space heaters can use around 1,500 watts to run. Keep small appliances like this is mind when trying to cut costs. The price tag may be cheap, but the energy bill may increase.
Thank you for stopping by for these energy efficiency tips. Stop by next time for Part Two which will include more tips for making your home and family energy efficient. Speak with our experienced electricians to make your home the most energy efficient on the block!
Staff Writer
