Unplug It Gadgets like cell phone chargers, game consoles and microwaves suck energy and generate heat. Standby power for appliances not in use typically accounts for 5-10% of residential electricity use. Whenever you can, plug these devices into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use.
Digital Thermostat According to the Department of Energy, if you install a digital thermostat you can save around 10% on your heating and cooling annually.
Close the Blinds Rooms get hotter in the summer without shades or curtains to block the sunlight, so take an extra moment before you leave the house and close them.
Clean the Lint Trap Empty the dryer lint trap after every load. If you are doing so and your clothes are still damp, there’s probably lint build up in the exhaust hose and it may be time to replace or clean it.
Water Heater Keep water at the lowest comfortable temperature possible. This will save money, plumbing maintenance, and keep you from scalding yourself and more importantly keep your children from scalding themselves.
Better than a Water Heater Switch to a tankless water heater. It does not store hot water, but instead instantly heats your water whenever it is needed. Save money on the installation of a tankless water heater with rebates and tax incentives.
Light Bulbs About 10% of your utility bill comes from lighting your house. You can start by swapping incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents, or you can replace higher wattage bulbs with lower wattage bulbs to save money. For example, going from 60 watt to 30 watt uses half the electricity.
Fix the Leak No need to have money going down the drain, get professional help before a small drip turns into a big problem.
Keep it Clean Check air filters monthly. There are different types of air filters, learn which one is in your system and how to maintain it.
Fine Tune Your Equipment Arrange an HVAC inspection. Hire a certified technician for an annual check to make sure your home’s ventilation, heating and air conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. Leaking ducks, for example, could reduce energy efficiency by up to 20%, ask Sanford Kramer how we can help.
Free Energy Audit Many power companies provide energy audits free of charge. They can help find inefficiencies you may not be able to find on your own. Contact your power company to see if they offer this service.
Water in the Early Morning If you can, water your grass in the early morning to reduce the amount that evaporates later in the day. Why not in the late evening? Having damp grass overnight unfortunately provides a cozy environment for parasites which can harm your grass.
Appliance Incentives Investing in a new energy-efficient unit can cut long-term bills and be cheaper up front too. Check out the appliance incentives in your area.
