Being energy efficient doesn't mean making huge changes to your home and lifestyle. A few quick updates and easy routines can save you big time.
- Use Fans
Substituting a few box or oscillating fans for your usual air conditioning can keep you cool and save you money. It’s much cheaper to circulate air through your home by using fans rather than traditional air conditioning systems. - Install Compact Fluorescent Lights
An investment in more energy efficient lighting is low-risk and high-return. Compact fluorescents use nearly 2/3 the amount of energy that standard incandescent bulbs use, so lighting your house just got 33% cheaper. - Turn Off What You Aren’t Using
If you turn off the lights every time you leave the room, you’re off to a good start. However, unplugging electronics you won’t be using for a while is an even better way to save. Small amounts of electricity are used up by most chargers that are left plugged in, even if they aren’t connected to a device. If you don’t feel like pulling plugs from outlets to do this, a power strip with an off button will allow you to achieve the same result with the flip of a switch. - Take Care of Your Heat and Air
Regular maintenance of your heating and air conditioning systems is beneficial for a lot of reasons, but it can also ensure that you’re remaining efficient. Paying for a tune-up ensures that your system is running at maximum efficiency, but you can do your part by keeping your filters clean. Systems with clean air filters cost less to operate and provide improved air quality. - Fix Leaks
This tip applies to water and air. Caulking leaky windows is a good way to ensure your heating and air conditioning isn’t escaping through the cracks. Fixing a leaky faucet is also a good way to lessen your utility bill by cutting unnecessary waste.
