No matter the season, every homeowner is always looking for ways to save energy. Saving energy means saving money. Knowing some simple facts about how much we spend on certain things within the home can make a big difference in reducing those costs.

Space heating and water heating take up the most money on our utility bills, so read on for some tips that will help to control those costs and keep some extra money in your bank account.

Heating and Air

Credit: StarsApart

Keep lights and televisions away from your thermostat. The heat they create will cause your air conditioner to work harder to preserve a cooler temperature.

In the summer, lowering your thermostat by a few degrees can save around 10% on your cooling bill. Keep the air conditioner running as close as possible to the temperature outside for the most savings.

A well-insulated home means that heating and air conditioning are kept indoors, so your systems won’t have to work as hard to sustain the temperature of your home.

Always look for and seal any air leaks around the home. If either cool or heated air is escaping, more energy will be used to make up for that loss.

Don’t block ventilation with furniture or heavy curtains. Doing so will limit the circulation of air from the vents and affect the temperature of your home.

Regularly clean air filters and be sure to change them when necessary. Ensuring that air has a clean and clear passage to flow through means your furnace and air conditioner don’t have to work harder to maintain temperature. It will also help to prevent the systems from breaking down, saving you from the cost of having to replace them sooner than necessary.

Keeping your water heater set to a certain temperature will ensure not only a save in your utility bills, but it will prevent bacteria from growing as well. The recommended temperature is 120° F.

Add rugs to hardwood and tile floors when the weather gets cooler. This is an easy way to keep your feet warm in the winter months.

Home Appliances

Consider changing the lightbulbs in your home to either CFLs or LEDs, especially those in rooms you use often. These lightbulbs cost more to purchase, but will save you money on your electricity bills in the long run.

Turn off electronics that are not in use, including TVs and computers. Consider using an electrical power strip to turn multiple devices off at once!

Wash clothes in cold water, unless they are extremely dirty, and always make sure the lint trap in your dryer is clean to allow for a faster drying time. If possible, avoid using a dryer entirely and hang your clothes to dry.

Install low-flow faucets and shower heads in your home. These will help to cut back on the amount of water that is used, therefore help you to save on your water bill.

One easy way to save energy with home appliances is to purchase those with an Energy Star label. This label indicates that the appliance is backed by the government as energy efficient.

While re-heating a slice of pizza in the oven may be preferable to some, using a microwave uses a significant amount less energy than an oven. If you choose a stove-top method, whether reheating or cooking, using a lid will speed up the process.  This traps the heat, making everything work harder to cook/heat your food.

If you make any of these updates to you home you may be eligable for a tax break. Learn more about homeowner tax breaks here!