Saving energy is a huge concern for many homeowners, especially in today’s economy. The cost of heating and cooling your home can be expensive, so it’s important to take steps to reduce the energy you use. Gilroy Blackout Automotive Tinting lists some of the best (and often overlooked) energy-saving tips for your home!
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1. Install commercial window film.
Installing commercial window film is an uncommon but highly effective way to save energy in your home. Window film helps to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that window film can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy costs! Of course, the money you’ll save will depend on several factors, including the type of window film you choose and the climate you live in.
But if you’re looking for an energy-saving measure that can pay for itself quickly, commercial window film is definitely worth considering.
Things to keep in mind:
Commercial window film is available in various colors, so you can choose an option that will complement the look of your home. Be sure to hire a professional to install your window film, as it can be tricky to do it yourself.
2. Educate your family and friends about conserving energy.
One of the best ways to save energy is to educate your loved ones about it! Show them how easy it is to save power without making any big changes and see how much of the load they can take off your shoulders. You may be surprised at how willing people are to help out once they understand how important conserving energy is.
Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Encourage everyone in your household to turn off lights when they leave a room.
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs and ask everyone to use them as much as possible.
- Talk to your kids about conserving energy and involve them in your efforts. After all, they’re the future!
3. Get a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to saving energy. Smart thermostats are designed to save energy by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule and activities.
For example, if you know you’ll be out of the house all day, you can program your smart thermostat to turn off the heat or air conditioning. Then, when you’re on your way home, you can use the app to turn the temperature back up so that your home is comfortable when you walk in the door.
You can also set your smart thermostat to adjust the temperature based on whether you’re home or away, leading to even more energy savings!
How much can you save with a smart thermostat?
According to the Department of Energy, the average homeowner can save about $180 per year by using a smart thermostat. But your savings will depend on several factors, including how much you use your thermostat and the climate you live in.
4. Unplug electronics when you’re not using them.
Did you know that even when your electronics are turned off, they still use energy? It’s true! Even if an appliance or electronic is turned off, it can still draw power from your home’s electricity supply as long as it’s plugged in. This process is called “standby power,” and it can add up to a lot of wasted energy over time.
The best way to prevent standby power waste is to unplug electronics when you’re not using them. This includes computers, printers, TVs, DVD players, and chargers for your phone or other devices.
How much energy can you save by unplugging electronics?
According to the Department of Energy, standby power can account for up to five percent of your home’s energy use. So if you can cut back on standby power, you’ll be well on your way to saving energy!
5. Use energy-efficient appliances.
If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for energy-efficient models. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy than their traditional counterparts, which can lead to big savings on your energy bills. When shopping for energy-efficient appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that helps consumers save money and protect the environment by identifying energy-efficient products.
How much can you save with energy-efficient appliances?
The Department of Energy estimates that energy-efficient appliances can save you about 30 percent on your energy bills. That means if you’re paying $100 per month for energy, you could save about $30 per month by switching to energy-efficient appliances.
ENERGY STAR dishwashers, for example, use about 50 percent less water and energy than traditional dishwashers. And ENERGY STAR clothes washers can save you about $135 per year on your energy bills by using about 50 percent less water and energy!
6. Don’t leave the fridge door open.
We’ve all been there: you’re standing in front of the fridge, trying to decide what to eat. And before you know it, five minutes have passed and the fridge door is still open. But did you know that every time you leave the fridge door open, cold air escapes and warm air enters?
We don’t unplug refrigerators when we’re not using them (because that would be a pain), so it’s important to be mindful of how often the fridge door is open. Every time you open the fridge, cold air escapes and warm air enters, making the fridge work harder (and use more energy) to maintain the ideal temperature.
How much energy can you save by not leaving the fridge door open?
According to the Department of Energy, a refrigerator uses about six percent of your home’s energy. Calculate your fridge’s energy use by multiplying your refrigerator’s wattage by the number of hours it’s on each day.
So if your fridge uses 500 watts and it’s on for 24 hours, that means it uses 12 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy each day. If you can cut your fridge’s energy use by just one kWh, you’ll save about $0.20 per day, or $73 per year!
7. Regularly inspect your home for air leaks.
Air leaks are one of the biggest sources of wasted energy in the home. If your home has air leaks, that means warm air is escaping in the winter and cool air is escaping in the summer.
Not only does this make your home less comfortable, it also makes your heating and cooling system work harder (and use more energy) to maintain the ideal temperature.
The best way to prevent air leaks is to regularly inspect your home for gaps and cracks. Common places for air leaks include doorways, windows, and electrical outlets. Once you’ve identified an air leak, seal it with caulk or weatherstripping.
How much energy can you save by sealing air leaks?
The Department of Energy estimates that sealing just one leaky door can save you up to $115 per year on your energy bills. So if you have multiple leaks in your home, the savings can really add up significantly!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to saving energy, every little bit counts. By following the tips on this list, you can make your home more energy-efficient and save money on your energy bills.
And while some of these tips may require an initial investment, the long-term savings will be well worth it. So what are you waiting for? Start saving energy today!
