Five Ways to Save Home Energy You Probably Never Thought Of
Want to help save the planet? Perhaps you are just trying to be frugal. Maybe the thought of paying increasingly more money to utility companies just burns your toast. Check out these five ways to save energy you may never have considered.
- Shades, Curtains, and Blinds
Most view window coverings as a way to protect privacy or to add to the aesthetics of a room. But shades, curtains, and blinds can be a terrific way to manage sunlight and heat or cool your home more naturally through every season of the year. When the sun is shining in cooler temperatures, let that sunshine in by opening up those blinds and curtains. They not only will brighten your rooms but add natural solar heating. When it is hot outside, minimizing that sunshine into your house can make a surprising difference in the comfort of your home, and your costs for air conditioning.
- Dimmers
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to the lighting in your home. Dimmer switches on lighting offer an exceptional opportunity for you to better control the light in each room while saving power. It also allows you better control of the “mood”. Similarly, energy efficient night lights may save you from having to turn on the lights at all when entering an area for a brief time.
- Ditch that Old Refrigerator
It may seem practical to just keep that old refrigerator in the basement or garage for additional cold storage space, but it may end up costing you. A refrigerator running in a hot garage during the summer can be an energy beast. It could be costing you more in a year than it is worth. It may be a better option to buy a small, energy efficient apartment-sized min-fridge to keep in your home if you feel the need for that extra space.
- Utilize Airflow
Before 1902, air conditioning for the home did not exist. Yet even in the hottest areas of the world people worked, played and lived their lives without melting. It was frequently done through prudent ventilation and understanding the simple fact that heat rises. Using screens and opening and closing windows according to the wind direction can provide abundant fresh air and deeply cut into that AC bill.
- Plan Household Chores Just a Bit Better
Making sure you are washing full loads of laundry and baking and freezing multiple dinners in advance can save on that electric bill. In addition, a full freezer uses less energy than an empty one, so making meals in advance can help. While you are at it, turn down that water heater just a notch.
If you are trying to become a little more efficient with your family’s budget, saving energy is a great start. You may also be able to save on your homeowners’ insurance with a call to our independent insurance agents. What if you were paying 10% 20% or more than you had to? Wouldn’t you want to know? We can help. Connect with us today.
