Homeowners: Heres How You Can Reduce Energy Consumption

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Now that were in the throes of summer, you’re probably dealing with sky-high utility bills that eat into your budget and make you feel bad about just how much energy your home is consuming. Well, the good news is that there are ways to both save money and curb unnecessary energy consumption in one fell swoop.

  1. Seal Windows and Doors

Doors and windows represent the most inefficient zones in your entire home. However, its not just that they let in hot air when they open and close. Unknown to you, there may actually be air gaps and holes around windows and doors.

Whether leaks are letting hot air inside during the warmer months or letting in drafts during the cooler season, one of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weather strip all cracks and large openings to the outside, Energy.gov points out. Air takes the path of least resistance, so you should aim to seal the big holes first.

  1. Block Out the Sunlight

Even caulked and sealed windows allow sunlight to enter, which heats up the rooms you’re trying to cool. This causes your AC system to overwork and drives up your energy consumption. To solve this problem, consider purchasing energy-efficient windows, or treatments at the very least.

Most energy efficient windows today have tighter seals and a special glazing on the glass that keeps the exterior air outside where it belongs, Green Residential explains. Furthermore, popular window treatments such as shutters, blackout curtains, and smart curtains are excellent ways to diminish outside air and light permeation, which can reduce wasted energy and costs.

  1. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat

A lot of energy is lost when your AC system runs at a constant rate throughout the day. The reality is that your needs are different and you should buy a programmable thermostat that adjusts automatically.

With a programmable thermostat, you can ensure your system is higher during the day (while you’re at work) and lower in the evenings. You can also control different zones of the house and lower your bill.

  1. Turn Ceiling Fans Off

Ceiling fans are great. In fact, they’re more energy-efficient than running the AC. However, they often get left on when people leave the room. This is a waste and results in wasted energy. If you’re going to use ceiling fans, make a habit of turning them off when you leave the room.

  1. Hang the Laundry

In the summer, you should try hanging your laundry on a backyard clothesline. Your dryer is one of your homes biggest energy consumers, and it takes a lot of electricity to adequately dry your clothing. A clothesline, on the other hand, doesn’t require any energy on your part. Overall, this results in noticeable savings.

  1. Remember That Heat Rises

Remember that heat rises. If you have a two-story home and spend most of your time on the main floor during the day, you should close all the doors to upstairs rooms. This prevents the AC system from overworking and makes it easier to cool the upstairs in the evening. Its a small tip that can yield major benefits.

Become a Green Homeowner

You don’t have to cover your roof in solar panels or turn off your electricity at the breaker to reduce energy consumption. You can be a smart, green homeowner by simply introducing a few eco-friendly habits into your home.

Your utility bills will no longer strike fear into your heart, and you’ll feel better about your reduced carbon footprint.

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Melissa Thompson

Melissa is a mother of 2, lives in Utah, and writes for a multitude of sites. She is currently the EIC of HarcourtHealth.com and writes about health, wellness, and business topics.