Saving on energy has never been more of a win-win situation than it is today. Each time you lower your energy and utility bills, you are putting more money back into your bank account to spend on anything that you like. Lower energy bills also mean a lower amount of energy consumed, which also helps to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of harmful emissions released into the environment. The best thing about becoming more energy efficient is that there’s no need to completely overhaul your home, as there are many simple, easy and effective things which you can do with little investment or DIY to save energy at home.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Home appliances need replacing every once in a while, and if you are shopping for new appliances, be sure to look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label before you make a purchase. Appliances which are Energy Star certified use between 10-50% less energy and water than conventional machines, and although they may cost more to buy initially, they can definitely save you much more than that extra cost in the long run.
Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the simplest and least expensive changes which you can make in your home in order to reduce your energy usage is change your light bulbs. According to Energy Star, qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs cost just a few dollars, but save homeowners around $30 over the lifetime of the bulb. These light bulbs use around seventy-five percent less energy than conventional light bulks, and last around ten times longer as well.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Nobody likes to come home from a full day of work to a freezing home, however leaving the heating system on all day to ensure that the house is warm for your arrival is simply not economical. However, installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to adjust the temperature in the home to your schedule, keeping it warm and comfortable only when you need it to be. If you don’t already adjust your thermostat accordingly during the day, installing a programmable thermostat could save you up to fifteen percent on your heating costs.
Seal Air Leaks
Although the majority of homeowners put a lot of effort into making sure that their home has enough insulation, it’s also important to look for any small gaps and cracks which could cause air to leak into and out of your property. By improving insulation and also sealing any air leaks, commonly found around doors and windows, you could potentially save up to ten percent of your home’s annual energy bill. If searching for leaks seems like quite a daunting task, contact your energy provider to enquire about whether or not you are eligible for a free energy audit.
Keeping your eye out for better rates from different energy providers can also help to keep your energy costs as low as possible! Check out the great range of energy companies in Alberta which you can compare.
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