With the recent pandemic, people are spending more time at home — working, homeschooling, ordering takeout, etc. That means your utilities are going to go up a bit due to more usage, but there are things you can do around the house that are quick and easy ways to improve your energy efficiency, which not only saves money in the long run but also usually increases your home’s value.
Run appliances during peak hours of 4 to 6 pm. While it may be a pain to pick and choose when to run appliances such as dishwashers and washer/dryer combos, but doing it during peak times keeps your home cooler and reduces usage on the power grid. Wash your clothes in cold water to reduce energy usage as well.
Upgrade to energy-efficient windows. Replacing old wood windows that are drafty with newer energy-efficient windows that can make a huge difference in property value and energy saving. Shop around for prices on windows like this energy saving windows Baton Rouge company has advertised.
Service your HVAC unit annually. Keeping your unit serviced and filters changed keeps your HVAC unit working smarter, not harder. According to the Department of Energy, annual service can increase the efficiency of your unit by up to 15%. Also, make sure to check your evaporator coil annually to make sure it is working at an optimal level.
Seal cracks and gaps around the house. Sealing cracks or gaps around the home (especially older homes that have shifted over the years) can save a lot of energy. Basements being sealed helps, but also just sealing around windows and trim can make a big difference. Many people use even caulking over small cracks around the windows in trim before painting or repainting rooms.
Install a programmable thermostat. Programming your thermostat can help control the temperature in your home during hours when no one is home. Some manufacturers recommend 78 in the summer 68 in the winter for the best energy saving, but if you can’t stand the heat, just aim a few degrees higher than normal. Don’t make the mistake of turning the unit off overnight or when you are not at home. It can actually use more energy to bring the temperature back up (or down) based on which season you are in, than to maintain it.
Take advantage of natural light. Use solar shades and blackout curtains. Solar shades can help reduce extra heat in the house in the summer. Blackout curtains can provide the same benefit, but also keep the heat in at night or during the winter.
Unplug unused electronics around the house. You’d be surprised how much electricity unused electronics and appliances around the house use, even smaller ones such as phone chargers. They keep the base chargers constantly hold a minimal charge for when you plug it in. If you charge your phone overnight, the phone will finish charging within a few hours, then wasting hours worth of energy. Larger appliances are even worse, like computers left on or in sleep mode. Even unplugging appliances such as air fryers, instant pots, toasters, and microwaves can save money over time.
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