Virtually all companies and electronic device manufacturers are poised with delivering the best energy efficient and cost-saving devices all in a bid to support a greener environment and to cut the cost spent on energy consumption.
However, the cost of electricity is still on the rise. Statistics, according to the U.S Department of energy, show that the typical U.S family spends $2060 on average per year on utility bills consuming about 11,000 kilowatt-hours and more in the process. For the energy-saving conscious individual, there are specific ways to cut costs and save electricity. They are easy to implement and will ultimately benefit you if you are interested in making quite substantial monetary savings.
Take a minute to read this article to discover energy saving tips for home that work.
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Purchase Low Energy Consumption Appliances
Electrical appliances such as television and computers consume about 20% of the total energy used in homes. As such, if you are in the US, for instance, it is advisable to buy appliances that only show Energy Star as they have been explicitly designed to use less energy. For example, Energy Star certified televisions are on average, 25 percent more energy efficient than conventional models, saving energy in all usage modes: sleep, idle, and on. Energy Star certified televisions consume 0.5 watts or less in Sleep Mode and On Mode power requirements vary according to the screen area.
Invest in Energy Saving Bulbs
Energy saving LED light bulbs are more expensive than the regular bulbs but would save you money on bills every month, which means they make up for the extra amount spent plus they tend to last longer. Turn off all light bulbs when not in use.
Reduce Your Water Heating Expenses
Water heaters contribute massively to energy consumption in homes. If purchasing an energy efficient water heater seems expensive, you can install an automatic timer to turn off your water heater when not in use. You can also insulate your water heater and the hot water pipes that exit your storage tank.
Insulate your Home
Insulation helps to reduce bills by retaining heat during the winter and keeping out the temperature in the summer. You can start by installing fiberglass insulation material in your loft as it reduces the amount of heat you lose through your roof. If you are installing by yourself, note that the level of insulation you can install depends on the area of your house. Also, check your windows and doors for drafts and seal leaking areas.
Reduce Heavy Appliance Usage
Usage of heavy energy consuming appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and air-conditioners should be minimized. Washing only full load dishes and clothes will reduce the number of times you consume electricity. Defrost your freezer manually once a week when the ice is building up. Also, ensure that your appliances undergo regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently.
Utilize the Weather
Weather conditions can help you save on utility bills. During the winter, you can reduce the use of air conditioning unit and opt for a fireplace. Likewise, during the summer, the use of a water heater can also be reduced or install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Opening the curtains and turning off the bulbs will also save some money on electricity.
List of Energy Saving Devices
In addition to energy saving tips above, you can also invest in energy saving devices for homes. They include the following.
- Solar power bank
- Rechargeable dehumidifier
- Solar garden lights
- Smart thermostat
- Smart sockets
- Solar panels
Conclusion
Smart homeowners save a lot on utility bills each year by effectively assessing their homes’ energy consumption. It is advisable to analyze and determine areas that would help be most effective in cutting cost. Acquiring a wattmeter to check the power consumption of your appliances would help in implementing energy saving measures around your home. Remember turning off your devices and opt for battery-operated electronics to avoid using electricity all the time.
