6. Adjust your water heater
It takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you money and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.
7. Let the sunshine in
The sun is a great source of free heat on bright sunny days!! But as we know, windows and doors are a way for that warm air to slip through the cracks. Consider getting insulated curtains to keep some of that free heat in overnight.
8. Close doors and vents in unused rooms
Maybe you’re an empty nester or maybe you only use a few rooms during the work week – either way, if you close doors and vents in rooms that aren’t in use, you’ll redirect the warm air to the spaces you’re in and use less heat overall.
9. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
LED lights are known as the most energy efficient lighting. They may cost you more up front but over time they will save you money; they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
10. Leave your oven door slightly open after using it
On a busy day in the kitchen, you probably notice how warm it gets as your oven gives off heat. Don’t let that heat go to waste! Leave your oven door open just a bit to have some extra heat flow when you’re done cooking.
11. Insulate your pipes
Pipes are out of sight, out of mind but they are so important bringing hot water to faucets, showers, and other appliances. Depending on how far the water has to travel, your pipes can be the cause of heat loss. Insulated pipes raise the water temperature, improves your hot water heater’s efficiency and will lead to energy savings over time.
12. Unplug unused electronics
Just because your TV, lamp, and air fryer are “off” when plugged in doesn’t mean they aren’t using energy. These are examples of “energy vampires” because they are taking energy when you don’t know it. Save energy by unplugging items when not in use.
