7 best Ways to Reducing your Home’s Energy Consumption
Energy consumption at home tends to increase over time, but not necessarily because the owners need more energy to keep their homes warm or cool.
Appliances and devices are often left running longer than they should be, leading to unnecessary increases in energy costs that can easily be avoided.
If you want to reduce your home’s energy consumption and save money on energy bills, there are plenty of ways to do so, including following these 7 tips.
Table of Contents
Ensure that the insulation on your water-cylinder is adequate
As a general rule, the volume of water in your cylinder should be two-thirds full at all times. This helps reduce the strain on the heating system and will also ensure that you have plenty of hot water when you need it.
If you live in a hard-to-reach area with poor insulation, consider switching to an electric boiler. These are more expensive upfront but cost less to run and are much more efficient than gas boilers which can lose up to 20% of their heat through combustion before it even reaches the home. Electric boilers only lose 3% of their heat this way, and they’re also safer because they don’t use harmful gas as fuel.
Change your air filter regularly
Change or clean your air filter regularly; this will keep the air in the house cleaner and reduce the need for power-sucking AC and heaters.
Find out if you have low-flow showerheads and faucets; these use less water, saving water heating costs.
If you have newer windows, seal them properly with gaskets when installed. This can save considerable money in cooling costs during the summer months.
Use ceiling fans
An excellent approach to cut back on energy use is with ceiling fans. They can help you stay cool by circulating the air in a room and making it feel more comfortable overall.
Plus, they only use about one-third of the electricity an air conditioner uses, so running them can save you money on your electric bill!
Tip
Ceiling fans should always be run when the outside temperature is above 50 degrees F or below 70 degrees F. Running them at any other time will not provide much cooling effect and could worsen by increasing humidity levels in the air.
Read More : The 8 Pros and Cons of Wind Energy for Your Home
Use dishwasher
People tend to underestimate the power of their dishwasher, but it can make a significant dent in your monthly energy bill. Most households use the dishwasher for dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and more.
The EPA estimates that a fully loaded dishwasher uses about 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity.
That is enough energy for lighting a 100-watt light bulb for about 12 hours! If you use the heated dry cycle, this does not account for drying time.
To reduce this energy use, try running the dishwasher only when it is complete and opt for the shortest wash option.
Install solar panels
Installing solar panels is one of the best ways to reduce energy consumption at home. Solar panels use the sun’s power to generate electricity, which can be used for heating water and powering electronics.
When you install solar panels, you’ll be able to get renewable energy directly from the sun and enjoy significant savings on your electric bill. Solar panel installation is a very cost-effective option for many homeowners who want an alternative way of reducing their home’s energy consumption.
Most people can recoup their initial costs in a matter of years, making it a significant investment. Not only will installing solar panels save you money on utility bills, but they also provide environmental benefits by generating electricity without producing emissions or hazardous waste like coal plants do.
Purchase more energy-saving products (Energy Consumption)
It’s no secret that one of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bill is to purchase energy-saving products. But with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your investment.
In this section, we’ll look at some of the most popular energy-saving products on the market and help you decide which ones are worth your money.
LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are one of the most popular energy-saving products on the market. They use less energy than traditional incandescent-bulbs and last much longer.
LED bulbs are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. And they’re becoming more affordable all the time.
Smart Thermostats
Another great energy-saving product is the smart thermostat. These devices can help you save money by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on your schedule and the outside temperature.
There are a variety of smart thermostats on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Energy-efficient Appliances
Look for energy-efficient models if you’re in the market for new appliances. These appliances use less energy than their traditional counterparts, and they can save you money on your energy bill.
There are a variety of energy-efficient appliances available, from refrigerators to washing machines. And many appliance manufacturers offer rebates and other incentives when you purchase energy-efficient models.
These are just a few of the most popular energy-saving products on the market. Investing in these products can save money on your energy bill and help the environment.
Remove the plug
This is the easiest way to reduce energy consumption at home. When you are not using an appliance, unplug it. Leaving it plugged in will be a waste of energy.
If you are using a laptop, ensure that the power settings are set, so the computer shuts off when unused for an extended period. This can be done by clicking the battery icon in the system tray and selecting power options.
Turn it off or use a sleep timer if you are not watching TV. When you turn off your TV, always remember to unplug it as well.
Turn the temperature on the water heater to 120 degrees F and lower the oven temperature to 25 degrees F below the setting for desired results.