Today it is easy to make your home more energy efficient. And with a few simple steps, you can enjoy huge reductions in energy expenses. So if you want to save money, conserve energy, but also stay comfortable in your home, here is what you need to do.
- Know Where you Spend the Most on Energy
Homeowners typically know what some of their biggest expenses are, except when it comes to energy usage. But if you want to keep more money in your wallet, this is vital information. A small portion of energy use goes to electronics, like computers and televisions. You can also expect lighting to account for a small part, depending on how often you rely on artificial light sources. A bigger portion goes to large appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Then typically, about 14% of your energy bill goes to the water heater. And the biggest draw, at about 46%, goes to heating and cooling your home. Knowing this can help you decide which tasks will help you save more. - Change Your Habits
Do you always turn off the lights when you leave a room? Do you unplug your electronic devices when you are not using them? This simple trick can save you a lot of money on your electricity bills. Because even devices that are fully charged or even off can still pull energy. So take the time to unplug the items you rarely use. - Schedule Your Thermostat
Do you change the temperature when you leave the house? Don’t turn your system off completely, otherwise your heating and cooling will have to work overtime to reach the right temperature when you get back. Instead, raise it a few degrees in the summer and lower it a few degrees in the winter. This way, the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard while you are gone and you will save money. If you don’t have one, you can get a programmable or smart thermostat and it can help you better manage your heating and cooling schedule. - Open the Doors
It is common to assume that closing the doors and shutting some of the vents are good ways to save energy. After all, if the rooms are not in use, why bother heating and cooling them? On the surface, it makes sense. But it doesn’t work out exactly like that. In fact, the opposite often happens. Closing the vents can disrupt the balance of your HVAC system. And closing the doors doesn’t stop the air completely and when it pulls through the cracks and crevices, it actually requires more energy to refill the space. Opening the vents and doors will help keep the air circulating and help you get the most out of your heating and cooling. - Check your Refrigerator
Because the fridge and freezer are always on, they are one of the most expensive appliances in your home. You want to make sure the seals around the doors are tight and that there are no gaps or holes. Otherwise, the cold air can escape and your fridge will have to work even harder to maintain the right temperature. Set the temperature to about 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge and set the freezer anywhere from 5 to -1 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are plenty of other things you can to do improve the energy efficiency in your home. One thing is to get your HVAC system tuned up by Pelle Heating and Air Conditioning before peak usage. Call (669) 219-8957 for a furnace or air conditioning repair. Or stop by 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112 so we can answer any HVAC questions and concerns you might have.
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