Saving money is important to everyone. Whether it is during difficult economic times or when attempting to save money for a vacation, retirement or a special purchase. There are many tips for saving money but, many are asking how to make their home more energy efficient to save money. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways.
- Timers - use timers on the lights in your home, especially in those rooms where you tend to gather with your family. Set the timers so they automatically turn on at dusk, and turn off at bedtime. In general, this will mean that your lights will be off far more than they are on.
- Energy-saving light bulbs - the new energy-saving light bulbs can save you several dollars a year. While they may cost you upwards of $8-$10 initially, they not only longer, but they use far less energy than standard light bulbs. If you replace all of the bulbs in your home, you can save a substantial amount of money over the course of a year.
- Filters - check the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems to ensure they are not clogged. Replacing or cleaning filters will ensure that your system will run far more efficiently. The more efficiently heating systems run, the less energy will be required. If you do not currently use permanent filters, consider investing in them.
- Close the curtains - take advantage of natural solar energy in the wintertime by opening your curtains when the sun is highest and closing them once the sun goes down. In the summertime, close the curtains when the sun is highest to prevent the home heating up. This will save money on air-conditioning or cooling costs.
- Shower heads - replace your current shower head (if it is not already a water saver) with a more efficient unit. This will allow you to save a considerable amount of water over time. In your kitchen sink, replace the tap with an aerator to save water.
- Thermostat - put your thermostat on a timer so that you are not heating and cooling your home while you are not there. These timers can be set so the temperature when nobody is at home is lower, saving a considerable amount of energy. Thermostats can also be used for lowering the home temperature when everyone is sleeping.
- Weather stripping - check your doors and windows to ensure the seals are tight. If not, use inexpensive weather stripping to tighten up the seals. This will mean that the warmer air will stay in during the wintertime, and the cooler air will stay in during warmer weather.
- Ventilation systems - ensure that your home ventilation system is cleaned regularly. Buildup of dust and other debris can result in a far less energy efficient system. Keeping ventilation systems clean is another way to make your home more energy efficient.
These are just a few tips for saving money by making your home more energy efficient. There are several options including
energy audits which are often provided free by your utility company. These simple tips will cost very little, and the savings can add up very quickly.
