8 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Energy Consumption This Month

There are plenty of things you can do to scale back on energy consumption in your home. In addition to helping to reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll also save money on your energy bills. The best part is that many of these tips are easier than you think. Here are a few easy changes you can make now to use less energy at home.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Turn down your AC or furnace at night and when you’re not home. You’ll hardly notice the temperature difference, but you’ll see the change on your energy bills. A programmable smart thermostat will make it even easier. You’ll be able to schedule when your AC or heating automatically kicks in and store multiple settings for each day. Depending on which model you choose, you can also make changes right from your phone when you need to.

Turn off the Lights

Turn off the lights when you leave a room and open up window coverings to use natural lighting. Swap your bulbs for LED options instead to increase your energy savings.

Put the Sun to Work

When it’s cold outside, open up the blinds or drapes in the sunniest areas of your home to allow the sun to warm your home naturally. When it’s hot out, keep the shades closed to avoid adding extra heat from the sun and forcing your AC to work extra hard.

Switch to Cold Water

Using hot water to do laundry requires more energy per load, so try switching to cold washes instead. In addition to energy savings, washing with cold water can also help your clothes last longer since it’s known to slow fading and shrinking.

Try the Towel Trick

Here’s a handy tip for cutting down on electricity usage when running the dryer. Add a dry towel to the load once you’ve put your wet clothes in the dryer. It’ll absorb some of the extra moisture and can cut your drying time in half.

Check for Leaks

Air leaks around doors and windows affect your home’s temperature and may considerably impact your heating and cooling bills. One area to look out for is around the door from the house to the garage since this area tends not to be as well sealed as doors that lead directly outside. If you notice a draft, consider upgrading your windows and/or doors to keep your home properly insulated from cold air and moisture.

Don’t Forget to Unplug

Did you know that even when things are plugged in but not in use, they’re using energy? Turn off and unplug any electronics that you don’t need, like cell phone chargers, computers, hair dryers, small kitchen appliances, and so on.

Upgrade Your HVAC Equipment

Today’s high-efficiency HVAC systems are designed to use less energy and save you more money. If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it may be time to upgrade. You don’t even have to worry about forking out a hump lump sum up front—just answer a couple of quick questions in our free renovation calculator, and we will connect you with a contractor in your area that offers flexible and affordable financing options. Looking to speak to someone right away? No problem! Give us a call at 1.833.527.1149—our renovation experts are standing by to help!