
January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, so be sure to add energy efficiency to your New Year's resolutions. When it comes to cutting energy costs, a few small changes can really make a big difference. More importantly, making our homes eco-friendly can have a major impact on our community and Earth. Our real estate agents love discussing ways to improve your home's energy efficiency, and they have compiled this list of tips to help you reduce your utility bills in 2021:
- Check All Caulking and Weather Strips
If caulking or weather strips around your windows are worn or pealing, it can lead to gaps that allow warm and cold air to escape from your home. We recommend inspecting all caulking and weather strips and reapply where needed. Checking for cold air drafts around your windows is an easy way to tell if attention is needed. By eliminating areas where warm or cold air can escape, you can prevent your furnace or AC unit from working harder than it needs to.
- Optimize Your Thermostat
Turning your thermostat down a few degrees can make a massive difference in your energy bills. At the very least, turn down the heat when leaving the house or for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Remembering to manually adjust your thermostat is not always easy, so you may want to consider investing in a smart thermostat, which can automatically adjust your home's temperature based on your activity.
- Limit Unnecessary Water Use
We use quite a bit of water in our daily life. If you're like most people, there are probably at least a few things you can do to cut back on water usage. For example, turn the water off when brushing your teeth and avoid running half loads of laundry. Baths require up to three times more water than showers, so try to limit your time in the tub. If you really want to conserve water, you can even take it one step further and try a low-flow showerhead.
- Swap Out Incandescent Bulbs
Old 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past. With so many energy-efficient lighting options on the market, optimizing your lighting can really help reduce energy use. While they might be a bit more expensive upfront, Halogen bulbs and LED bulbs both last significantly longer and use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
- Unplug Your Chargers
Did you know chargers that are left plugged in all day actually consume energy? According to energy.gov, plugged-in chargers consume .26 watts of energy per day when not in use. This might not seem like a lot, but multiply it by the number of chargers in your home, and you can see how it can quickly add up.
- Update Your Appliances and Electronics
Electronics and appliances have become significantly more energy-efficient over the years, so if you're still using your old dryer from the '90s, it might be costing you quite a bit. Upgrading old appliances to new, ENERGY STAR certified devices might be expensive upfront, but you'll likely see long term reductions in your energy bills.
These energy-efficient tips can help you save money while doing your part to help the environment. For more tips on how to reduce your utility bills, contact us today!