Energy-Saving Tips That Every Homeowner Should Consider

Energy-saving is a game-changer. Every homeowner can aim to reduce energy utility expenses by applying these energy-saving tips.

Did you know that your daily habits could be the reason you pay high energy bills every month?

Are your utility bills preventing you from proper budget management? Worry no more because we are going to present to you energy-saving tips that will also save your pockets.

Household energy is one of the significant recurring expenditures in a home and every homeowner aims to reduce energy utility expenses by applying some energy-saving tips.

There are many ways that you can reduce your residential energy consumption while still achieving maximum productivity. In addition, the advantages of energy-saving include keeping the environment clean and also saving money.

You are here because you want to learn some energy-saving tips for your home. So read through this blog post for all of the information that will see you smile when you look at your next utility bill.

Follow these energy-saving tips to save money and to keep your home functional. In addition, these energy-saving tips will make you more aware and cautious of your energy usage.

1. Install solar panels
2. Remember to unplug electronics
3. Invest in energy-efficient devices
4. Get Ceiling Fans installed in your home
5. Change your light bulbs
6. Close your curtains and Blinds
7. Regulate your day to day energy-consuming activities
8. Seal or install energy-efficient windows
9. Eat Out       
10. Seal the air in your home       
11. Wash your clothes with cold water       
12. Invest in a programmable thermostat       
13. Make use of Smart Power Strips        

1. Install Solar Panels

Many homeowners in Orange County have considered residential solar panel installation as an energy-saving tip. What makes a solar system efficient is its dependency on sunlight for its productivity. It will save you a lot of energy consumption in your home.

Solar energy is clean and efficient, primarily if a reputable solar installation company installs it. Enlightened Solar is a fully integrated solar provider. We ensure that you get excellent solar panel installation in Orange County and handle every part of the process. We understand the client’s needs, thus providing quality services with affordable pricing. Investing in a solar panel is a reliable way to cut energy costs while protecting the environment.

(Source: EIA)

1. Remember to unplug electronics

There is a tendency to leave electronic devices plugged in. However, research shows that constantly plugged-in electronics are a risk to energy consumption. Therefore, you must unplug your electronic devices and appliances when not in use.

Ensure that every member of your household is aware of this rule.

Unplugging also protects your equipment in case of power surges. Therefore, it is essential to have every electronic device unplugged when not in use. As a result, you will increase their lifespan and save on your electricity bills.

(Source: National Academies Press)

1. Invest in energy-efficient devices

If you review the most energy-consuming devices in your house, you will find that appliances are responsible for at least 14% of energy use. While purchasing machines, it is essential that you buy those that have less energy consumption. How do you do this?

Here is the trick; Look at the number of the initial purchase prices and the annual operating cost. You will find that energy-efficient appliances cost more, but their operating costs are 9-25% lower in turn.

In addition, purchasing appliances with the energy star label, which guarantees you energy efficiency. For example, energy star refrigerators use 9% less energy. Putting this into consideration will save your utility bills for the month while also giving you peace of mind. Unfortunately, most residential homes in Orange County are not aware of this trick. So now that you know – get moving, and let’s save those dollars.

1. Get ceiling fans installed in your home.

Most residential homes in Orange County have installed HVAC systems. An HVAC is one of the energy-consuming users in a home. However, you can regulate energy consumption, especially during the summer season. In addition, you do not have to use the air conditioning system to keep your house cool.

Instead, you can install ceiling fans that will serve the same purpose while using less energy. You can install a ceiling fan in every room and switch it off while not in use. Using a ceiling fan will make you comfortable, especially when you see your monthly energy bill decrease.

1. Change your light bulbs

Could it be that your bulbs are consuming the most energy, thus putting a strain on your pocket? Worry no more because we are going to solve that now. Did you know that traditional incandescent light bulbs consume the most energy?

In addition, they need replacement more often than energy-efficient bulbs. The power-efficient bulbs include; halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), which use 25-80 percent less electricity. They also last 3-25 times longer than traditional bulbs. One point to note is that the energy-efficient bulbs are a bit more expensive, but the long-term savings are great.

(Source: Green Match)

1. Close your curtains and blinds

One of the most ignored energy-saving tips is the closure of blinds and curtains. They will prevent excess heat from entering your house during summer, especially when the sun shines directly through the windows. During winter, this technique will help you save heat and energy within the home.

Open curtains and blinds will make the heat escape through the windows, so the goal is to retain it and avoid heat loss. In addition, you can invest in blinds and curtains that retain heat such as honeycomb shades and cellular shades. While shopping for blinds and curtains, consider the intensity of the winter season in your home and buy those that fully fit your needs.

Curtains that are thick and insulated can retain the heat in your home. In addition, these curtains will prevent energy from leaving through the windows hence reducing energy consumption.

1. Regulate your day to day energy-consuming activities

There are habits that you may have within your house that cause an increase in residential energy consumption. Energy-saving does not have to be from external activities but also the practices of the people living in the home. Residential energy-consuming patterns in Orange County include leaving lights on when not in use and frequent use of electric appliances. When you have time, you could perform some tasks manually.

These include; hanging clothes outside to dry instead of using the dryer, washing utensils by hand instead of using the dishwasher, and cleaning the house manually instead of a vacuum cleaner. You should also remind your family members to turn off the lights each time they leave a room. Turning off your lights is also a way for you to make your light bulbs last longer. In addition, the energy-saving adjustments will help you save a significant chunk in utility bills.

1. Seal or install energy-efficient windows

To retain the heat within the house, you could seal the windows or install energy-efficient windows in your residence. But, unfortunately, research shows that windows are a significant source of energy waste.

Heat loss contributes to your rising heating bill. Single pane windows tend to cause more heat loss. Therefore, invest in double pane windows to retain more heat. In addition, exterior storm windows can give you a 10-20% reduction in heat loss. It is more efficient for regions that experience extremely cold weather.

When the climate is warmer, you want to reduce the heat gain. It is possible to avoid this by fixing low e-coatings on the windows, reflecting more light and lower thermal energy entering your home.

1. Level up your HVAC system

An HVAC system gives you an option to heat, ventilate and use the air conditioner. In terms of energy consumption, heating accounts for more than 40% of energy use. An upgrade to the third component of an HVAC system ventilation can improve your energy efficiency.

A ventilation system is composed of a network of ducts, which distributes hot and cold air throughout your home. If these ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, the resulting energy waste can add hundreds of dollars to your annual heating and cooling expenses.

Proper insulation and maintenance on your ventilation system can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20%. On the other hand, air conditioning is not a contributing factor to high energy bills. It uses an average of six percent of the energy consumption in the home.

Air conditioning systems come together with heating systems. Therefore, you should purchase your new furnace and air conditioner at the same time, ensuring that the air conditioner performs at its maximum rated energy efficiency.

1. Eat out for a meal or two

If you are on a mission to save daily expenses, one of the critical things to cut is preparation of food at home. On the other hand, ordering food is also a way to save on energy consumption. If you are not a fan of regular cooking, then this method will work to your advantage.

Ordering food means that you will not use kitchen appliances which contribute to high energy bills. In turn, getting a professional to cook and deliver your food will save your time and energy while enjoying delicious meals.

1. Seal the air in your home

Sealing air leaks around your home is a great way to reduce energy expenses. The most common sources of air leaks into your home are windows, vents, and doors. To prevent these leaks, you should ensure no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe.

You can apply caulk to seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame. For cracks between moving objects, such as operable windows and doors, you can apply weather stripping.

Weatherstripping and caulking are simple air-sealing techniques that typically offer you a return on investment in less than a year. However, air leaks can also occur through openings in the ceiling, floor, and wall from plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring.

Air leaking out of your home is most often from the home interior into your attic through tiny openings. Whether through ducts, light fixtures, or the attic hatch, hot air will rise and escape through small gaps.

As the natural flow of heat is from warmer areas, these small openings can make your heating bill even higher if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. To reap the total amount of savings from weatherization, you should consider fully protecting your home.

(Source: Victory Electric)

1. Wash your clothes with cold water

If you are used to washing clothes with hot water, then there is too much energy consumption in this method. The use of cold water will help you minimize energy costs. Some advantages come with washing clothes with cold water, whether manually or with a washing machine. When you do this, your clothes are bound to last longer since they experience no shrinkage.

1. Invest in a programmable thermostat

With a programmable thermostat, it automatically regulates heating and cooling when you are away. It will help you manage energy consumption in the home without having to upgrade your HVAC system. Isn’t that awesome! In addition, a programmable thermostat can save you over $150 per year.

There are different models of programmable thermostats that are set to fit your schedule. Additional features of programmable thermostats can include indicators for when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems, improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

(Source: Conserve)

1. Make use of smart power strips

The electricity used by electronics when they are turned off is a significant source of energy waste. It is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed when the devices are switched off, which can cost you up to $200 per year.

Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. In addition, the power strips can be set to turn off at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches.

Conclusion

Finally, energy consumption makes up 70% of the utility bills for homes. Therefore, it is essential to research and find ways that will help you save energy. A major one is solar panel installation which also raises your property value. Enlightened Solar is a credible company that you can contact for your solar installation concerns.

So, what should you do next? Applying the energy-saving tips above will save you money, time and also protect the environment. In addition, the energy-saving tips will put less stress on your bank account.