
Check
out some of our easy-to-implement tricks below:
1.
Large Appliance Efficiency
Large
appliances, such as dishwashers, washer and dryers, and your oven, can take up
a lot of energy while in use. To cut down on energy waste, look to your
efficiency. Do you run the dishwasher after only a couple meals? Try waiting
until you have a full load of dishes before running. The same goes for your
washer and dryer.
Don’t
need your items (dishes/clothes) dried immediately? You can cut down your energy
usage by air-drying! Hang dry your laundry outside on nice days, or on a drying
rack in your home. Opening the dishwasher after use to air-dry, instead of
using the heat-dry option, will also save you money.
2.
Beat the Heat
It’s
a tale as old as time for a reason. Heating and cooling can get expensive and
sometimes the easiest options are actually the best. Try keeping your
thermostat a few degrees above/below what you would normally keep it at. You
can make this change gradual, if needed, to get your body acclimated to the
change. You’ll be amazed what a difference just a few degrees can make.
Another
way to save on heating and cooling costs is to utilize your windows and
curtains. If it’s a nice day outside with a good temperature, turn off your
thermostat and open the windows. Fresh air will make your home feel refreshed,
while also helping your wallet. On hot, sunny days, do the opposite. Close any
windows and keep the curtains closed to block out the heat.
3.
Check Your Vents
Another
super easy fix has to do with something we know exists, but we hardly ever
think about: vents. Check every room in your home to make sure none of the
vents have gotten blocked. If your furniture has made its way on top of or in
front of a vent, it may be blocking the air from circulating inside your home
and wasting energy without you even knowing.
4.
Pull the Plug
Even
when not in use, electronics continue to use energy while plugged in. Think
about your toaster. If it’s plugged in 24/7, but you only use it twice a week,
why not unplug it between uses? The same thing goes for other smaller
appliances in your home that you keep plugged in all of the time, such as the
coffeepot, hairdryer, curling iron, and stereo.
5.
Flip the Switch
Switching
to energy-efficient light bulbs can also make your energy use more efficient.
Not only that, but fluorescent bulbs are longer-lasting than traditional ones,
which means that you’ll be using approximately 80% less energy while doubling
or tripling your bulb’s lifespan.
Your Turn: Do you have go-to hacks for
conserving energy in your home? Tell us about them in the comments below!
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