In 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that the energy expenditure per person in Washington was $3,149. That’s almost $100 more than the United States average. That’s a big chunk of your household budget. What if you could cut that this year to stop being an energy hog, and save money in the process?
Here are some ways you can easily cut on energy usage at home:
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Did you know that a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills? It’s easy to do, too, just adjust the temperature for when you’re asleep or not home.
Seal the Leaks
Cold air seeping into your home during the winter, or your cool air seeping out of the home in the summer can be a big efficiency sucker. Air leaks can be found around electrical outlets and switch plates, door and window frames, attic hatches, television and phone lines, dryer vents, etc. You can learn more about air leaks in an earlier blog.
Toss the Old
Older appliances can waste a lot of energy. You might not know it, but appliances and electronics can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s energy usage. So, when you have older, non-Energy Star accredited appliances sucking up energy, it can be a suck out your wallet. Upgrading to Energy Star appliances will not only save you money on your energy bill, but you could be eligible for tax incentives.
Power Up to Power Down
Have you heard of “energy vampires”? Even when an appliance or electronic is not in use, if it’s plugged into the wall, it’s still drawing power. When you use a power strip, you can turn off the power to the appliances plugged in when you’re not using it.
And in case you’re on a roll, here are a few more ideas you can use to save energy this year:
• Use landscaping around your home for shade
• Purchase Energy Star-rated appliances
• Insulate your attic
• Install energy-efficient light bulbs
• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
• Shorten your shower time
• Turn lights off when you’re not in the room
• Install ceiling fans—by using them in the summer you can turn up the air conditioning and turn down the heat
• Perform routine maintenance on all your equipment, including your heating and air conditioning system
• Recycle, reduce and reuse
Making even some of the smallest changes will make a big impact on your home’s energy usage, saving you money and sanity.
Get Help from a Portland HVAC Contractor
If you’re wanting to save money on your heating and cooling system, call Heat Relief and we’ll work with you to reduce your energy usage this year.