10 Great Tips For Saving Energy In Your Home

Saving energy at home means saving money and that is something everyone can appreciate. It also means conserving resources so we can ensure a healthier planet for all. Here are some simple home energy savings tips you can start using today.

#1 Smart strips. Every day appliances consume energy even when they are turned off. Microwaves, coffee makers, computers, TVs, the list goes on and on. Instead of letting this valuable energy go to waste, plug your appliances and electronics into a smart strip. A smart strip is a strip of outlets with an on/off switch. When you are not using your appliances and electronics, say at night when you are asleep, just turn the smart strip off. You will save thousands of watts of electricity each year.

#2 Fine-tune your thermostat. Basically adjusting it a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer will save energy. A programmable thermostat makes it very easy.

#3 Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs use significantly less energy, about 75% less. The added bonus is that while these bulbs cost a bit more at the store, they last for years longer than your traditional bulb. The average light bulb used in a high traffic area lasts 4-6 months. A compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times longer.

#4 If you use automatic drying with your dishwasher, turn it off and let your dishes air dry.

#5 Your water heater uses energy to keep your water hot and ready for those hot, steamy showers. Turn it down to 120 degrees. Your water will still be hot, certainly hot for a steamy shower, and yet not too hot to scald. You will save energy as well.

#6 If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is working properly and is closed when you are not using it. You can lose a significant amount of heat during the winter and cooler air during the summer through an open fireplace damper.

#7 When replacing appliances, look for Energy Star appliances. These appliances conserve energy and many communities offer rebates and credits when you purchase Energy Star appliances.

#8 Check your doors. A lot of doors do not seal very well. This may be the case if you live in an older home where the walls and floors may have settled and shifted. Air can easily escape through cracks around your door causing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder which leads to wasted energy.

#9 Embrace passive solar. The sun is fantastic for heating and lighting our homes. If your home has a southern exposure, you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home in the winter which also provides daylight year round. With an eastern exposure, you can open the curtains in the morning to heat and light your home and with a western exposure, you can open the curtains in the afternoon.

#10 Check your insulation. Too much insulation causes your energy to be lost through your windows while too little insulation causes energy to be lost through your roof or attic.

Home energy savings does not mean you have to make a total home overhaul. A few simple steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year you will conserve energy at the same time.