14 May Energy Saving Tips in Your New Home
As Chanel and Stevo make plans to finally set up a base somewhere (more info on this soon!) something they’re thinking about is how to make their nest more energy saving (it’s not only good for the planet but for the travelling bank account too). After not having “a home” for over seven years, they’ll be essentially starting from scratch, which is a great opportunity to set-up things right from the start.
One of the biggest costs of owning a home is one that’s often overlooked – your energy costs. If you’re not careful about your energy usage, you can find yourself spending a significant amount of money on your energy bills every month. Despite this, many people take their high energy bills for granted because they don’t even realise that they’re wasting energy.
With that in mind, here are a few energy saving tips that can make your home more environmentally friendly, and at the same time, help you save money (so you have more for traveling).
Install A Smart Thermostat
A regular thermostat is often set and then forgotten about, which means that your home is being heated or cooled even when you’re not there. A smart thermostat, on the other hand, can be programmed to adjust the temperature based on your schedule. This way, you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling an empty house.
Turn The Lights Off
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s often overlooked. Whenever you leave a room, make sure to turn the lights off. You’d be surprised by this energy saving tip and how much energy you can actually save by making this a habit.
Use Natural Lighting
Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light instead of relying on artificial lighting. Open the curtains during the day and let the sunshine in.
Use Energy-efficient Light Bulbs
Traditional incandescent light bulbs are being phased out in favour of more energy-efficient options, such as LED bulbs. Not only do LED bulbs use less energy, they also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, which means you won’t have to replace them as often.
Insulate Your Home
A well-insulated home is a more energy-efficient home. Make sure that your walls, ceilings, floors, and windows are all properly insulated. This will help to keep the heat in during the winter, and the cool air in during the summer. Performing an energy audit is a good way to identify areas of your home that could use some extra insulation.
Seal Your Windows And Doors
Even if your home is well-insulated, heat can still escape through cracks and gaps around doors and windows. To prevent this from happening, seal any cracks or gaps with caulking.
Use Window Treatments
In addition to sealing your windows and doors, you can also use window treatments to further improve your home’s energy efficiency. Heavy curtains or blinds can help to keep the heat in during the winter, while light-colored shades or reflective film can help keep your home cool in the summer.
Unplug Electronics When You’re Not Using Them
Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. To save energy, unplug these devices when you’re not using them. If you’re not going to be home for an extended period of time, consider unplugging all electronics before you leave, and turning off your geyser at the mains.
Use Power Strips
A power strip is a great way to save energy because it allows you to easily turn off multiple electronics with the flip of a switch. When turned off, a power strip will prevent your appliances from continuing to draw power.
Wash Your Clothes In Cold Water
Washing your clothes in cold water is a great energy saving tip which can save you money fast. If you have a front-loading washing machine, you can save even more energy by using the delicate cycle.
Line-dry Your Clothes
If weather permits, line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. Hang them on a clothesline or drying rack inside your home or out on your balcony or patio. The sun and fresh air will help to naturally freshen your clothes while also saving energy.
Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Your refrigerator has coils that need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order for it to run efficiently. Over time, these coils can become covered in dust and dirt, which can prevent the fridge from cooling properly. Cleaning the coils every few months will help to keep your fridge running efficiently and save you money on your energy bill.
Seal Leaky Ducts
Leaky ducts can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than it needs to. As a result, you’ll use more energy and end up with a higher energy bill. To prevent this, make sure that your ducts are properly sealed. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself with some duct tape and mastic sealant.
Upgrade Your Appliances
If your appliances are more than a few years old, they’re likely not as energy-efficient as newer models. Although it may seem counterintuitive to spend more money on new appliances, the initial costs will be offset by the amount of money you’ll save over the long term.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help to circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler without using as much energy as an air-conditioner. In the winter, you can reverse the direction of the blades so that they push warm air down from the ceiling. Basically, by using your ceiling fans all year round, you can depend on your heating and cooling just a little bit less.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to save energy and money. They can be used to power your entire home or just a few appliances. The initial investment may be high, but the long-term savings will be worth it. Not to mention that there tend to be tax incentives and rebates available to encourage people to invest in solar panels.
Upgrade Your Windows
If your windows are old, they might not be as energy-efficient as newer models. Replacing them can be expensive, but it’s an investment that will save you money in the long run. Newer windows often boast double or triple-pane glass, which does a better job of insulating your home.
We use energy every day around the home without even realising it. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness about your energy usage can lead to high energy bills. As such, be sure to use these energy saving tips to help lower your energy bills and reduce the environmental footprint of your home in San Antonio or elsewhere.
So whether you’re starting from scratch and setting up a new home like Chanel & Stevo, or whether all this time at home during the pandemic has made you realise that your home needs an energy-efficiency upgrade, we hope these tips have given you something to think about.
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