Every day, you find a new gadget or appliance in the market that you just need to buy for yourself or your home. These neat gadgets are great to look at and use.
However, they come with rising electricity costs. While it’s not possible to avoid using some of these gadgets, you can at least save money and energy through the following tips.
1. A furnace working at peak efficiency
A furnace working at peak efficiency consumes less energy and is cheaper to operate. So it needs annual maintenance to stay lubricated, clean and properly adjusted at all times. However, you should still replace the filter every 1-2 months. A dirty filter reduces airflow, forcing your filter to run longer to heat your home.
2. Upgrading your furnace
This is also a wise decision, as the latest furnaces offer 95% efficiency with their high efficiency variable speed motors.
3. Install a programmable thermostat
As you can save as much as 2% on your heating bill for each degree turned down on your thermostat, install a programmable thermostat. It lowers your heat when you are sleeping and when no one is at home so that you can save as much as $65 a year.
4. Turn the dial to cold on your washing machine
You help the environment and save money and energy just by turning the dial to cold on your washing machine. This is because about 85-90% of the energy consumed by the washing machine is used to heat the water.
5. Use a front loading wash machine
Use a front loading machine as it saves water and energy. This is because it needs less water and energy to run. Always wash full loads.
6. Use plastic windows
Plastic windows are a better choice as they prevent heat loss. You can also prevent heat loss by applying a sealant or caulk around sills, windows, door frames and joints.
7. Checking for leaks
Check for leaks on a windy day around electrical outlets, exterior doors, vents and windows. Spider webs usually indicate a draft. With return air grilles and heating vents clear of any rugs, drapes or furniture, there’s no interference with the flow of heat through your home.
8. Insulate the walls of your basement or crawlspace
It’s better to insulate all the walls of your unfinished basement or crawlspace, as uninsulated basements lose lots of heat. Look for spider webs as they indicate a leak and possible loss of heat.
9. Closing and opening drapes
While you should keep all drapes and blinds closed at night to retain the heat, open all south facing drapes to let the sun in on sunny days for natural heat. However, large windows which do not receive any direct sunlight are better closed.
10. Install low-flow showerheads
It’s better to install low-flow showerheads and faucets in bathrooms and kitchens as it reduces your water consumption and usage.
11. Wash full loads in the dishwasher
Washing a full load in the dishwasher helps save energy. Also, air-dry your dishes on the ‘energy saver’ setting.
Now you know how you can save on your energy bills through a few small but effective changes at home, let your friends also save energy by sharing this article with them on the social media!
More information: http://www.saskenergy.com/saving_energy/tips.asp
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