6 Simple Ways to Save Energy

Saving energy means not only lowering your electric bill cost but also protecting the environment. That is because carbon dioxide which is harmful to the ozone layer is released when energy is produced. So more energy consumption means more carbon dioxide emission required to produce the needed energy.

Saving energy does not require rewiring your house or purchasing expensive energy-saving devices. It just involves doing simple things that everybody can possibly do. Here are six ways on how to save energy at home:

1. Use energy-efficient appliances.

Energy-efficient appliances will let you save up to 50 percent energy consumption compared to their conventional counterparts. These appliances may be more expensive but in the long run, they will give you more savings because of the energy that you can save. To know if your product is energy efficient, look for the Energy Star label.

2. Use energy-efficient light bulbs.

Energy-efficient bulbs such as LED or CFL light bulbs may be costly compared to incandescent bulbs. Over their lifetime, they can save you about $30 dollars in electric bills according to Energy Star. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED and CFL bulbs can last longer and consume less energy.

3. Invest in a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat works by adjusting the temperature of your home based on your preset schedule. This will save you up to 15 percent of the energy you consume in heating and cooling because you don’t have to cool or heat your house all day but only when you need it.

4. Unplug appliances when not in use.

According to the United States Department of Energy, an average home consumes 75 percent of its total energy consumption on home electronics while the electronics are turned off. This type of energy used is referred to as quantum load. By unplugging appliances when not using them, you can minimize quantum load and save energy.

5. Use fans for cooling.

Using fans in the summer can help circulate cool air around the house, reducing your need for a much cooler setting in your air conditioning system. This will in turn help you save energy. The use of fans can help you reduce your energy consumption by up to 10 percent.

6. Use less hot water as much as possible.

Using hot water for dishwashing, washing clothes, and shower greatly contributes to your energy consumption. According to the Department of Energy, water heating is the third largest consumer of electricity in most homes. You can also save energy by lowering the temperature of your water heater. For most uses, the water thermostat setting recommended by the Department of Energy is 120 degrees.

You can save energy at home in various ways. Some ways may entail spending a significant amount of money but such investment will also give you a return of investment in the form of big energy savings. There are also other ways to save which will only involve changing your habits like unplugging appliances when not being used. Nevertheless, they are all simple ways on how to save energy at home.