When it comes to energy conservation, small changes can make a big difference. Whether you are a business owner looking to reduce operating costs or a homeowner looking to lower energy bills, there are simple steps you can take to save energy. Using less energy in the name of sustainability is good, but it will also help to save a few dollars on your energy bills.
Here are ten simple ways to help you conserve energy and save money:
One of the easiest ways to save energy is to use a programmable thermostat. By programming your thermostat to turn off the heat or air conditioning when you are not at home, you can avoid wasting energy on heating or cooling an empty space. Additionally, you can use different temperature settings for different times of the day, which can help you optimize your energy usage. Smart thermostats can even identify when a space is unoccupied and turn off the HVAC system.
LED light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent lights, which means you can run them for longer periods of time without increasing your electricity bill. Additionally, CFL and LED lights last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means you will need to replace them less frequently. Electricity usage decreases when switching to LED light fixtures because more energy is converted to light instead of heat.
Many electronics continue to use energy even when they are turned off, which is known as standby power or “vampire energy.” This phantom energy consumption can add up quickly, resulting in higher electricity bills. To reduce vampire energy, unplug electronics when they are not in use or use power strips with on/off switches to turn off multiple devices at once.
Sealing your home or business can help reduce energy consumption by retaining heat during the winter and insulating against the heat during the summer. This can be done by sealing air leaks in gaps and cracks around windows and doors, as well as adding weather stripping and door sweeps. Insulating your attic and walls can also help keep the temperature stable, which can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home or business.
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help save energy and money on your energy bills. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which indicates that the appliance meets energy efficiency standards. This is most important for your washer, dryer and dishwasher as these appliances use the most amount of energy in any home. Also, make sure to use these appliances when they are full.
Replacing your air conditioner can be a big investment. Improve the energy efficiency of the one you already own by changing air filters regularly and washing the condensing coils on outdoor units. Most of the energy wasted in your HVAC system comes from the compressor working to overcome poor heat exchange with dirty coils. This can save significant amounts of energy by requiring the compressor to run less frequently.
Using a ceiling fan instead of air conditioning can be a great way to save energy and money. Ceiling fans use less energy than HVAC systems, which means you can run them for longer periods of time without increasing your electricity bill. Additionally, ceiling fans can help circulate the air in a room, which can make it feel cooler and more comfortable. Did you know that ceiling fans can rotate both directions? Toggle the switch at the motor base to indicate the direction the air should flow. Ideally, air should flow down (counterclockwise) in the summer and up (clockwise) in the winter.
Upgrading your water heater can save energy because newer, more efficient models use less energy to heat water. For example, a tankless water heater only creates hot water when it is needed, as opposed to traditional water heaters that continuously heat a full tank of water. Similarly, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat the water, which is more efficient than using electricity to directly heat the water.
Using natural light instead of artificial light can help save energy and money on your electricity bill. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light and use task lighting instead of overhead lighting when possible. Using natural resources like sunlight may also have a positive impact on productivity and mental health.
Planting trees and shrubs around your home or business can help keep it cool during the summer and reduce your need for air conditioning. Additionally, trees and shrubs can block help the wind, which can make your home or business feel colder in the winter. This will reduce the amount of natural gas or electricity needed to heat the space.
Using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, can help conserve energy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These sources of energy do not produce Green House Gases or pollutants, and therefore do not contribute to climate change or air pollution. By using renewable energy, we can reduce the amount of carbon that is produced and lower the environmental impact of electricity generation. Many states offer tax incentives for businesses and homeowners who install solar panels or wind turbines. You can also choose to purchase 100% green electricity from your retail electric provider. As more of these sustainable energy sources become available, options to use them for your home or business are becoming more affordable. Be sure to toggle the checkbox for Green Energy on the Get Rates page to view suppliers who offer this product.
By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills. Additionally, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. Remember that small changes can make a big difference! One of the best ways to increase energy efficiency is to change behaviors. Simple adjustments in the way your business or family things about energy conservation can add up to a large environmental impact that will also save money.