Show of hands – who here has vowed to drop a few pounds this year? If your hand Energy Diet is up, you’re not alone. In fact, the top three most common New Year’s Resolutions this year are: exercise more, lose weight, and improve diet, according to a survey from YouGov.
But these goals don’t just apply to your physical health. If your utility bills are higher than you’d like, perhaps it’s time to put hour home on a diet of its own. Follow these simple energy-saving tips and start seeing leaner, trimmer utility bills next month.
Time to unplug –
- You remember to turn your blow dryer off when you’re done using it, but if you leave it plugged in day in and day out, it’s consuming electricity. In fact, this “vampire power” costs homeowners an average of $200 each year.
In hot water
Did you know that for every 10-degree decrease in water temperature, you can realize an energy savings of 3 to 5 percent? Check the thermostat on your water heater; 120 degrees is adequate for most households.
Clear the air –
- Dirty HVAC filters make your heating and cooling systems work harder, thus increasing energy consumption. Check yours routinely and clean or replace it roughly every 8 weeks.
- Close the dishwasher – Running a full dishwasher uses less hot water than washing the same dishes and glasses by hand. You can save even more by running the dishwasher at night if you qualify for special off-peak rates. Also, open the door after the final rinse to let dishes air dry instead of using the heated dry function.
- Out in the cold – Washing your clothes in hot water is one of the biggest sources of energy waste in your home. Today’s machines and detergents can do an equally effective job in cold water.
- Take control – Program your thermostat to adjust the temperature while you’re away and, in the process, cut your heating and cooling costs by about 10 percent a year. Better yet, upgrade to a smart thermostat and control the temp from anywhere, anytime.
- Stop the drip – Leaking water accounts for about 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year, according to the EPA. Routinely check faucets, toilets, and exposed water pipes for leaks and repair them as soon as possible to keep water consumption in check.
- Feel the breeze – Use a ceiling fan in conjunction with central AC to better circulate conditioned air, allowing you to raise the thermostat and save money. In the winter, reverse the fan’s direction to recirculate the warm air that rises to the ceiling.
- When nature calls – Toilets account for about 30% of home water consumption – even more with older models. If it’s time to upgrade your inefficient toilet with a Water Sense model, you could save over 12,000 gallons of water each year. Not ready to take the plunge? Retrofit in the meantime with water-conserving toilet kits.
At Anthony’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we have more energy saving products and solutions than a magician has cards up his sleeves. Except in our case, there’s no magic involved. Just a lot of experience, skill, and talent. Contact us today for the service you need.
