10 Ways to Conserve Energy in Your Home

With the start of a new season comes a fresh opportunity to find ways to save energy and money. Here are some great tips and tricks to help get your house in order for spring/summer and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Check out these top 10 ways to save energy in your home.

1. First and foremost, set your thermostat. When you are away from your home, set your thermostat to a warmer setting during those warm days; by doing this you can help reduce your energy costs up to 10 percent.

2. When the weather allows, open your windows; this is ideal for the spring months. Having your windows open helps to cool and air out your home without having to waste the energy from an air conditioner.

3. Air conditioners are extremely convenient during the summer months but it is a necessity to have the filters cleaned or replaced if needed on a regular basis. Keeping up with this simple maintenance can help lower the energy consumption from the AC up to 15 percent.

4. If you have ceiling fans, be sure and take advantage of them. During the spring and summer months you want to have the fan blow air straight down. To achieve this, your fan needs to run in a counter clockwise direction (when you look up at it). During the winter months have your fan run in a clockwise direction; this will create a soft updraft, resulting in the warm air near the ceiling coming down. Using your ceiling fan properly is so simple to do and can truly help you save energy and money.  

5. The spring and summer months are the perfect time for fire up that outdoor grill. Keep the heat out of your home by using your grill instead of oven; and let’s be honest, grilled chicken is the best.

6. A great way to keep the heat out of your home during the summer is to invest in some energy efficient window treatments. Not only do blinds and drapes improve the aesthetics of a room, it can help reduce your energy costs. 

7. Do you have a sliding glass door in your home? Be sure to keep the tracks clean. Did you know that having a dirty track can ruin the seal to the door and create gaps where air can escape?

8. Permitting it is not too hot outside and you need some extra light in your house; bring in the sunlight through your windows and skylights. This way you will be able to brighten your home and conserve energy.

9. Don’t forget to check the seals on your refrigerator door to make sure they are clean and tight. Your refrigerator accounts for up to 11 percent of your household’s total energy use, which can have a major impact on your energy bill. So make sure your seals are working properly.

10. A dehumidifier can greatly assist in lowering your electric bill, especially during
those hot and humid summer months. When it is extremely humid out it can make your home feel warmer than it is; which may result in you turning up your AC. By running a dehumidifier you can remove that excess moisture in your home. Just make sure you have the appropriate sized dehumidifier for your home.