Fun and easy tips to cut your energy bill in 1/2, save water, increase your property value, and enjoy a more comfortable home.
Appliances
The lifespan of a typical home appliance is 10 years. If it is time to replace your appliances, look for the energy star label. Appliances the have earned the energy star label use 15-40% less energy than other models and save you up to 30% on your energy bills.
Replacing your old washing machine with a He (high efficiency) model will reduce water consumption from 40 gallon to 16 gallon per load and is gentler on your clothes.
Heating and Cooling
Prolong the life of your air conditioner by changing your air filters once a month. An easy way to remember when it is time to change your filter is to stick a white mailing label inside your utility closet and write the date down every time you change the filter.
Save $100 - $200 a year by installing a programmable thermostat.
- Set it for 78 degrees in the summer when you are usually at home and 71 degrees when you are usually away or asleep.
- Set it for 70 degree in the winter when you are usually at home and 62 degrees when you are usually away or asleep.
Have your HVAC and furnace serviced once a year. If your system is over 10 years old, consider replacing it.
When it is time to replace your HVAC or furnace, get the highest efficiency unit you can. You will be glad you did every month when the utility bills arrive! Try to get an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 14 or better and a furnace with an AFUE of 90 or better.
Free (or almost free) tips that make a big difference
Potted plants are effective natural air filters. English ivy, peace lily, bamboo palm, and Gerber daisies are among the best.
Outlet insulators (available at all home improvement stores for less than $2 for 6) take seconds to install and will stop draft coming from outside walls.
Caulk around windows and use insulating window film (available at all home improvement stores for less than $10 a box).
If you have windows that face south, keep the blinds closed in the heat of the summer and open in winter.
As your light bulbs need to be replaced, replace them with compact florescent bulbs. Compact florescent bulbs can be recycled at IKEA.