Home Energy Savings

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With the weather warming up, it’s time to look around your house to see where you can improve your habits to help save you money! Check out our home energy hacks below to learn how you can cut down on your utility costs and stay cool during the spring and summer months! 

Learn your habits 

It helps you to first understand how you go about things, to be able to see where you can improve. Do you leave the blinds open, allowing a lot of extra heat in? Do you spend a lot of time away from your house but still have your AC running all the time? Identifying your pain points will guide your next steps in figuring out where to start. As you do this, awareness will become a habit.  

Complete chores during cooler hours 

When using heat-generating appliances, things as dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines, aim to do these in times when the weather is cooler. Ideally, do these in the early morning or late evening, as many utility companies don’t charge as high a rate during these times. This will also not heat up your house as much during the peak hours to keep the inside cooler.  

Keep blinds and curtains closed 

Draw curtains or close blinds during the day to block solar heat gain. Medium-colored drapes with white backings can reduce heat gain by up to 33%. (Alliance to Save Energy) If you aren’t in the room using the natural light, keep the curtains closed! This is especially helpful if you have south and east-facing windows.  

Switch to LED Bulbs 

LED lightbulbs are an investment for your home that leads to you using less energy in your home while also lowering the impact on the environment. (Department of Energy) They also last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs, as LEDs can go up to 50,000 hours or more. That is roughly 20 years of use, which means you spend less in the long run! 

Clean and replace air filters 

Dirty filters can restrict the airflow, making your system work harder, which leads to increased energy use. Taking the time to regularly check in on your air filters offers you the chance to save on costs because you will limit the filter's overworking and increase its lifespan. You can do the same with your air vents to ensure optimal ventilation.  

Unplug unused devices 

Electronics generate heat, even when they are switched off. To lower electricity consumption, unplug items you aren’t using, such as toasters, air fryers, and computers. It's a small effort that adds up to allowing the degrees to go down.  

Bonus Tip!  

Try airdrying your laundry as much as possible! You will decrease your electric bill while increasing the lifespan of your clothes. Airdrying clothes minimizes the amount of direct heat they’re being exposed to, which limits shrinking, wear and tear, and wrinkles.  

By making a few simple upgrades and tweaks, you can enjoy a cooler, more efficient home without losing your comfort. Start with a few of these hacks today and watch the savings add up all year long! Learn more money-saving tips with Life Hacks: Simply Money-Saving Ideas You Can Implement Today, presented by Window Nation.