Six Ways to Conserve Energy in Your Home

How to Conserve Energy

Many people find themselves asking the same question every month: "why is my electric bill so high?" Many consumers are concerned with how they can conserve energy. Luckily, there are many ways to do so. Options range from extensive home improvements to simple household and behavioral adjustments. Here are six compelling energy conservation examples that may help you on learn how to conserve energy at home.

Use LED Bulbs

Consider using energy efficient LED light bulbs throughout your home. Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume a lot of electricity and burn out more frequently compared to their energy efficient counterparts. LED bulbs could reduce your lighting bills anywhere from 25% to 80% and will last longer than traditional bulbs.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Any expert will recommend the installation of a programmable thermostat among steps to reduce your energy consumption. The smart thermostat automatically turns itself on and off, even in your absence. It regulates temperatures to appropriate levels, reducing energy. With the programmable option, you don’t have to worry about overheating your home and later using more power to cool it down.

Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

So, why is my electric bill so high? According to utility providers, appliances consume an average of 20% of household energy use. There are two main factors when selecting a home electric appliance: initial buying price and annual operating costs. Energy efficient appliances often have higher purchase tags but come with lower operating costs compared to their conventional counterparts. Consider upgrading your appliances to those that offer energy efficiency and learn how to cut down on energy costs. If you have been shopping around, look for appliances with the energy star label.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

The HVAC system regulates your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation statuses in your home. Older models were designed to get the job done without considering how much energy is consumed by the bulky systems. Heating alone could cost 40% of your energy bills. Utility providers encourage the use of HVAC systems that conserve energy. Tag along with your HVAC technician while shopping around for a new unit and let them advise you on the best HVAC system when trying to save on energy.

Turn Off Appliances

Did you know that leaving appliances plugged into the socket drains energy despite being switched off? Most people leave all their machines, such as televisions, radios and laptops plugged in, which results in high energy loss. If you are not using your gadgets and appliances, power them down and unplug them from their sockets to conserve energy adequately.

Handle Laundry More Efficiently

Laundry is often undermined, but it uses a lot of energy to get the job done. You probably use a lot of power with your washing machine and dryer. Moreover, your washing machine may not be an energy efficient model, and poor maintenance could be the reason why you receive high electric bills. First, consider using the cold water setting when washing clothes. Clean the lint trap regularly after dry cycles to prolong your machine’s life. Invest in the energy efficient model to help cut down the costs of energy used during laundry sessions. If you feel like going the extra mile, you could hang your clothes in the sun to dry.

Put Our Tips to Use

There we have it! Six energy conservation examples that you may want to incorporate at home to reduce your energy consumption. Of course, you can’t cut down your electric bill to zero. However, you will start enjoying lower electric bills from your utility providers if you start using some of these tips.