Tips to Save Energy & Money

Saving energy in your home can be easier than you think. By completing these two energy-saving tasks, you may be surprised by the amount of money you can save.

Turn Down Your Thermostat
Did you know that you can reduce your home’s energy consumption by over 5% just by adjusting your thermostat down to 1 degree less? You won’t notice the difference in temperature but you will notice the difference in your savings come end of the month. A great thermostat to consider is Nest.

Lower Your Hot Water Temperature
If your water temperature is set too high (around 140ºF or higher), your water heater could waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses. To avoid this, set your water heater thermostats to 120ºF. This temperature will also help slow mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.

Minimize Phantom Loads
The term “phantom load” refers to the energy that an appliance or electronic device consumes when it is not actually turned on. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), “In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.” A report from the University of California Berkeley says that phantom loads account for about 6 percent of all national residential electricity consumption. You can eliminate phantom loads by unplugging appliances and electronics when you are not using them, or by plugging them into a power strip, and turning the strip off when they are not in use. Visit here for more information.

Seal Air Leaks
You should also look for any small cracks and gaps where air is leaking into and out of your home. Energy Star says that between improving insulation and sealing leaks, homeowners could potentially save 10 percent on their annual energy bill. If searching for leaks sounds like a daunting task, you can hire an energy auditor to assess your house and find problem areas.

Here's a list of 100 ways to save energy at home.