5 Ways to Reduce Your Home’s Energy Usage

Are you trying to reduce your home's energy usage? Read on for a few of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bill at home.

Did you know that Americans are spending over $5,500 on anything from bills to food each month? If you're hoping to trim your costs, you may want to start with your energy usage. You may be wasting energy and dealing with high bills if you're not careful.

Read on to discover five ways to reduce your home's energy usage!

1. Get a Smart Thermostat

When you leave your house for work, do you adjust the thermostat? If you're in a hurry or preoccupied with other things, chances are high that you probably don't. And in the process, you're wasting energy and overworking your HVAC system.

The better decision is to get a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to raise the temperature in the summer months when you're out of the house. Likewise, in the winter, you can keep the house cooler when you're away.

You'll see the savings reflected in your monthly utility bill. And some smart thermostats even will remind you when it's time to change a furnace filter. 

2. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

If you're washing your clothes with warm water, it's time to consider a change. Going with cold water will reduce the energy consumption of your washing machine.

You'll still end up with clean clothes at the end of the cycle, too. With cold water, you won't subject your clothes to harsh conditions, either, meaning they'll look good longer. 

3. Turn to LED Lights

Are you still using traditional incandescent bulbs to light up your home? If so, you're wasting energy. Instead, go with fluorescent or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs as a more energy-efficient alternative.

LED lights offer a much more economical choice since you won't need to replace them very often. Lights with the government's Energy Star seal of approval will use significantly less energy than those without it. 

4. Look at Window Tinting

As another money-saving option, look at window tinting. You'll reduce the amount of heat entering your home during the summer months so your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard. You'll also save your furniture from fading due to sun exposure.

Window tinting can help maximize the solar benefits outside your home by improving your view and reducing glare. A good solar film will help you feel comfortable and protect you from UV rays.

5. Turn Off Appliances 

You might think that appliances aren't using any power when they're dormant. But if they're still plugged in, they're using standby power. Unplug them to reduce your energy usage.

While you're at it, turn off your computer monitor, too, to help conserve energy. And invest in a smart powerstrip that will help prevent your electronics from using standby power.

Reduce Energy Usage

Reducing energy usage can result in lower bills and a more eco-friendly way of living. Upgrade to LED lights and invest in window tinting to help block heat. While you're at it, turn off appliances after using them and use cold water to wash your clothes. 

When you're ready to look at window tinting options that can help reduce your costs, contact us so Solar X of the Palms can help!