The choices we make every day not only impact our wallets, but also the environment.
To help you choose a sustainable lifestyle, while also saving on energy costs, we have put together a simple list of energy-saving tips.
- Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator every 6 months.
- Cook in the early mornings or at night to reduce the need for air conditioning.
- When possible, use your microwave and toaster oven to heat up food. It will reduce your energy consumption by about 70% compared with your full-sized oven.
- If you鈥檙e already using a hot-wash cycle, there鈥檚 not need to use heat dry setting on your dishwasher.
- Open your blinds and shades during the winter to let sunlight in. Close them in the summer to cool down your house.
- Install light timers for your landscape and exterior lighting.
- Install ceiling fans to supplement your heating and cooling system. During the summer, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4掳F with no reduction in comfort. Reverse the blades in the winter to push warm air near the ceiling down into the living spaces.
- Look for the Energy Star label, the government鈥檚 symbol of energy efficiency, which can help to save up to 30% on related electricity bills
- Reduce your water heater temperature to 130掳 F and wrap your water tank in a specifically designed blanket to retain the heat.
- Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water bills.
- Seal air leaks and insulate properly to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills.