Are you a resolutioner? You know, one of the 45 percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions? There’s nothing wrong with making a resolution, especially if you’re looking to spend less money while saving more energy. And the biggest difference you can make is in the home.
At Mister Quik Home Services, we want to help you achieve your goals, whatever they might be. So here are a few energy saving resolutions you can easily do at home:
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills. Smart thermostats, like the ones from Honeywell, learns your schedule—using less energy while you’re sleeping and away from home, and knowing when you’re ready for more cooling or heating.
Stop the Leaks
Cold air seeping into your home during the winter, or your cool air seeping out of the home in the summer can be a big efficiency sucker. Air leaks can be found around electrical outlets and switch plates, door and window frames, attic hatches, television and phone lines, dryer vents, etc.
Newer is Better
Older appliances can waste a lot of energy. You might not know it, but appliances and electronics can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s energy usage. So, when you have older, non-Energy Star accredited appliances sucking up energy, it can be a suck out your wallet. Upgrading to Energy Star appliances will not only save you money on your energy bill, but you could be eligible for tax incentives.
Beware of Power Vampires
Even when an appliance or electronic is not in use, if it’s plugged into the wall, it’s still drawing power. So unplug appliances and electronics when you’re not using them (especially when going on vacation) or use a power strip so you can turn off the power to the appliances plugged in when you’re not using it.
And, in case you’re on a roll, here are a few more ideas you can use to save energy this year:
- Install a tankless water heater (high initial cost, but saves energy in the long run)
- Insulate your attic
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs
- Lower the temperature on your hot water heater
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Shorten your shower time
- Turn lights off when you’re not in the room
- Install ceiling fans—by using them in the summer you can turn up the air conditioning and turn down the heat
- Perform routine maintenance on all your equipment, including your heating and air conditioning system
- Recycle, reduce and reuse
Making even some of the smallest changes will make a big impact on your home’s energy usage, saving you money and sanity.
If you’re wanting to save money on your heating and cooling system or plumbing, call Mister Quik and we’ll work with you to help achieve your resolutions this year.
