Solar power and wind power are a lot sexier, but there are a number of small changes you can make in your home to save yourself money month after month. By making your home more energy efficient you can save hundreds of dollars a year on utilities and related costs.
- Put a timer on your hot water heater. If you’re like most folks, chances are you’re only home using hot water in the mornings and evenings, so all you need are a couple hours of hot water at each end of the day to cover almost all of your hot water needs. Why waste all that extra gas or electricity – not to mention money – keeping that tank of water hot all the rest of the day and night?
- Buy Energy Star certified appliances, or similar energy efficient appliances – including dishwashers, washer/dryers, ranges, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, heating and air conditioning systems, and more. The cost savings you’ll get on monthly bills more than makes up for the purchase cost.
- Replace all your light bulbs with LEDs or compact florescents. They use less electricity for the same wattage of light, and they last longer than conventional bulbs.
- Look into financial incentives you may be eligible for through your local, state, or the federal government for making certain energy efficient improvements to your home. For example, some electric companies pay you to buy the surplus electricity you generate with your solar panels.
Lastly, an energy efficient home is also one that runs as an energy-efficient household. That means:
- turning off lights when you leave a room and turning off the television, computer, or other appliances and electronics when you’re not using them
- minimizing trips to town by bundling errands together and carpooling to save both on gas costs and wear and tear on your vehicle(s)
