5 Easy Energy Saving Tips for Winter

The typical US family spends around $2,000 annually on home utility bills (i.e. water, electricity, gas, and garbage disposal), a good chunk of which goes towards energy costs. Cutting down on energy use is easy if we just make a few changes. While this is very healthy on your bank account and family budget, it also helps the environment.

Energy Saving Tips

Here are a few easy tips to help trim down on energy expenses:

1. Tackle the leaks. Reduce air drafts by locating air leaks around the house and closing them. Air leaks account for up to 50% a home’s fuel cost. Annual savings can be tremendous just by keeping cold air out and warm air in. An added bonus, more comfortable living quarters. Here is how:

  • Make sure windows are firmly closed especially on cold days. Shut doors all the way whenever you come in or go out.
  • Close dampers when fireplace is not in use to keep cold air out and warm air in.
  • Close all leaks around the house commonly found in window frames, baseboards, attic hatches, mounted air-conditioners, etc by caulking and weather stripping.

2. Dress warmly. Winter is no time for skimpy clothes, obviously. When indoors, wear warm clothes such as sweaters, hats, warm leggings, socks for warmth. It is recommended to set home termostat to 68 degrees (only if no one’s health is compromised) and lowering it by 10-15 degrees while you are at work or out of town; this can help save as much as 5 – 15% on heating bills annually.

3. Be nice to the fridge. Don’t leave refrigerator doors open as cold air lost is neither beneficial to your health nor the appliance. The refrigerator is the appliance in the home that consumes the most energy. Keeping the door closed could help save up to 7% of your fridge’s energy use according to Home Energy Magazine. This is because the cold air that escapes while the door is open is replaced by warm air which the fridge’s compressor has to work harder to cool off, consuming more energy in the process. Also consider using smaller appliances and switching to new more efficient models.

4. Use less hot water. Water heaters account for about 1/4 of heating bills; by using less hot water, you can drastically reduce energy use. Install water saving devices such as low flow shower heads, repair dripping faucets, run cold water for disposal, wash clothes with cold water and consider taking shorter showers.

5. Turn off & unplug.  In 2009, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in it’s residential consumption survey noted that, “appliances, heating, and cooling equipment now use less energy to provide their services. In addition, less heat passes through the walls, roofs, and windows of homes because of better insulation and construction. At the same time, many homes contain more energy-consuming devices. In particular, the type and number of home electronics has increased significantly.”

Turn off lights and all electronics such as TVs, DVD players, radios, etc when not in use. Remember to unplug appliances and electronics from outlets after use; according to the U.S. Department of Energy, “75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.” This is the simplest way to cut energy costs.

These small measures will yield big results! Instead of wasting your hard earned cash, why not save by putting the above energy saving tips to use.

(Image credit: creativecommonsstockphotos)
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