Energy Saving Ideas for Homeowners

If you’re in search of energy-saving ideas – and who isn’t these days? – you’ve come to the right place. Saving energy means saving money. Whether or not you’ve made the move to clean, economical solar power, you’ll benefit financially from finding ways to maximize your home’s efficiency. Read on for helpful hints for reducing your home energy usage.

Use the Thermostat Effectively

Since heating and cooling are typically the biggest energy expenditures in the home, learning to use the thermostat correctly is one of the most important parts of cutting back on your power usage. You’ll save on power bills in the winter if you keep the temperature low at night and when no one is home. Do the reverse with your air conditioner in the summer.

If you haven’t yet made the move to a programmable or so-called smart thermostat, this technology is a must-have today for homes and businesses. Experts estimate that a smart thermostat can save the average homeowner several hundred dollars each year and significantly reduce energy consumption.

Cut Appliance Power Consumption

You can save even more money on your utility bills by changing the way you use your household appliances. Reduce the energy costs of your water heater, for example, by lowering the temperature to 120 degrees and insulating your hot water pipes.

Cut down on your household’s power and water usage by only running your dishwasher and washing machine during off-peak electricity use times and using them only with full loads. And, of course, you’ll save power and money if you use your appliances less often and for less time. Let your dishes air dry and hang your clothes on the line rather than using your clothes dryer.

Consider upgrading your current water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer and other appliances to Energy Star-rated models, as they are significantly more efficient than older models. Check with the power company, the state and your municipality for rebates and other incentives that can make these upgrades affordable.

Simple Household Energy Saving Ideas

If you’re not ready to make major lifestyle changes, even small steps can help you gain greater control over your home’s energy use. Routine maintenance of your heating and cooling system can make a big difference, as it will keep your system performing optimally.

Adequate insulation is also important, so make sure to find and plug any leaks or gaps around pipes, vents and ducts, and along window and door frames. Replace your furnace and air conditioner filters every few months, as dirty or clogged filters force your system to work harder.

Other easy energy-saving ideas include switching to LED or CFL light bulbs, using ceiling fans and installing energy-efficient windows.

If you are interested in learning more about maximizing the energy efficiency of your home or business, why not make the move to solar energy? Intermountain Wind and Solar, serving Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada, can put you on the road to true energy independence. Generate your own free power with a photovoltaic solar panel system of your own. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation, and be sure to ask our qualified technicians for even more energy-saving ideas.