9 Tips to Save Energy in Your Home

Save money and energy by following some of these simple steps in your apartment or townhome.

Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs or LED bulbs

Lighting is an easy first step to save energy and money. According to ENERGY STAR, CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also last longer, which saves you money in the long run. BONUS TIP: Turn off your lights when you leave the room! It will allow your lightbulbs to last longer which will save you money when it comes to replacement costs.

Use cold water to wash your clothes

According to ENERGY STAR, 90% of the energy your machine uses is from using hot water.

Unplug

Many products will continue to use energy when they are off, unless you unplug them. When you are no longer using battery chargers and power adapters, unplug them. Consider purchasing a power strip and using it as a central point where you can unplug all chargers and adapters at once. Smart power strips will even turn off after not being used for a certain amount of time.

Keep your freezer and fridge packed

Keep your freezer and fridge packed to help regulate the temperature and save energy. If they aren’t packed, try putting packs of ice in the freezer or pitchers of water in the fridge. According to Energy Saver, your refrigerator should be between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer should be between 0 and 5 degrees.

Air dry your clothes when possible

If you do use your dryer, always remove lint between loads.

Adjust your thermostat

Turn down your thermostat a couple of degrees when you aren’t home to save energy.

Close or open your blinds

In the winter months, open your blinds during the day to let the sun warm the room. In the summer, shut your blinds to help keep it cooler.

Scrape your plates

Before you put your dishes in the dishwasher, scrape them instead of rinse them. Most modern dishwashers can clean the scraped dishes without a problem. To save the number of loads you do, make sure you only run the dishwasher when it is full.

Avoid putting furniture in front of vents

Doing so could disrupt air flow and push air to places you don’t need it.

Try following some of these simple steps and see if it saves you any money on your next energy bill.