Energy Saving Ideas for Your Home at No Cost or Low Cost

Here are some energy saving ideas we would like to share with you since winter is right around the corner. To make it easier for you, below are a few things you can do around your home to make it more energy efficient, costs nothing or just a little, and which in turn will save you money.

• Use a draft stopper at the bottom of your windows or doors.





• Change furnace filters. Remember it is important to replace or clean furnace/air conditioning filters once a month during the heating or cooling season.










• Reverse your ceiling fans. If you run your ceiling fans in a counterclockwise rotation, it produces cooling breezes. If you run them in a clockwise rotation, this makes it seem warmer by making an updraft that sends the warmer air pooled near the ceiling back into the living space. This can cut your heating costs. This is one of my favorite energy saving ideas.






• Turn down your water heater. Usually when you have a water heater installed, the installer will set the temperature to 140 degrees F. Most households don't need the temperature to be that hot. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F would reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10%. Try It!

  Many people find that tweaking the dial can be addictive, and it's easy to reduce the temperature further to 115 or lower. You may then start thinking about a tankless water heater and better yet, think about going solar.

  NOTE: To compensate for lowering the temperature in your water heater, make sure you use the heating element in your dishwasher.






• Give your heating system a tune up. If you keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted, it will reduce energy use. It could save you up to 5% on your heating costs.

  NOTE: Some utilities offer free annual checkups by qualified technicians. Also, some furnace manufacturers and dealers also offer free or discounted inspections.






• Your thermostat. It's easy to forget to turn down the heat when you leave your home, but doing so is a sure way to save money. Also, for every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill.

  You can make it easier with a programmable thermostat. They are widely available for as little as $50






• Measure your way to savings with a meter called Kill A Watt. This is a device that let’s you n find out how much electricity your appliances are using and the cost is very reasonable. We have seen it as low as $24.95 with free shipping. The Kill A Watt only works on 110 volt circuits.

  Research has found that such information leads consumers to reduce their electricity consumption significantly. By seeing exactly how much each appliance costs, you'll start seeing easy ways to cut waste.






• Caulking and Weatherstripping around doors and windows.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Put on a sweater. These days, very few of us can afford to walk around our home in our underwear while it's chilly outside. Remember what we said about every degree you lower your thermostat, you will save 1 to 3% of your heating bill? Generally, if you wear a light long-sleeved sweater, it is worth about 2 degrees in added warmth. If you wear a heavy sweater, it adds about 4 degrees. So start putting on those sweaters and begin saving on that heating bill! This is another one of my favorite energy saving ideas.





• Additional Insulation. This is one of the best ways to save energy and money at home. It can make a difference on both your heating and cooling bill. So boost your insulation and add more between walls, and make sure your attic floor and basement ceiling are well covered.