If soaring energy bills have you down, you have many options to increase energy efficiency in your home. From small, simple adjustments to minor upgrades, finding new ways to save energy can help save you money. Consider the benefits of these energy-saving ideas.
- Programmable thermostats have become more popular in recent year. When used correctly, they can save approximately 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy.
- Reduce water consumption with low flow fixtures, which are generally inexpensive and easily installed. According to Energy Star, they can reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent, using a minimal amount of water. Some models are adjustable so users can manually set their preferences.
- Reduce energy for water heating by lowering your water heater’s temperature. Or, consider a tankless water heater, which produces hot water on demand, rather than keeping water hot at all times. Tankless water heaters use less energy and can reduce your water bill by up to 20 percent. They never run out of hot water, and typically last five to 10 years longer than tank heaters.
- Replace older appliances. Appliances account for about 15 percent of your home’s energy consumption, according to the Department of Energy. If your appliances are 10 years old or older, they don’t meet today’s stricter federal energy standards. Updating to newer models will help you realize more savings.
- Using an electric power strip is an easy and inexpensive way to save. Many electronics use energy even when not in use. Plugging them into a power strip and turning off when not in use can lower energy usage.