Owning a home should be saving you money and building equity. That is why it is so important to pay attention to your cost of ownership. Looking for ways to save? Check out these energy saving tips and tools:
Regular service and filter changes to your HVAC system increase heat output, meaning your system doesn’t have to stay on as long or click on as often leading to lower energy costs.
Installing an insulating blanket on your water heater is another great way to save, especially if the unit is in a non-heated area of your home. These can be found at your local hardware store and are easy to put on and tape in place.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer full. It takes more energy, to keep an empty refrigerator or freezer at its optimal temperature because of the air space that needs to be conditioned. The food packages containers and frozen items actually help hold the temperature constant longer.
Unplug chargers and power strips that aren’t in use. Most of these items have an indicator light that is on even when they are not in use. That indicator light is using up energy.
Open curtains and blinds in South and West facing rooms on colder sunny days. The sun light on the window glass will raise the inside room temperature a few degrees naturally.
If you do not use your fireplace much, consider installing a chimney balloon. This is a plastic you inflate inside your chimney to block conditioned air loss. And it is re-useable. If you forget to remove the balloon before making a fire, the balloon will automatically deflate within seconds of coming into contact with heat.
Want some more? Go to www.HomeEnergySource.gov for many other great resources, tips, ideas and energy audit tools.
