The new year is here and it is a great time to look over that budget and make some tweaks to save money. Here are 10 ways you can easily save on your energy and water costs this year!
Take Shorter Showers
If you cut your shower time down even just a couple minutes you can save a lot of water. Plus, you’ll save on the energy used to heat the water.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
You can consider using a showerhead that has a lower flow rate or a faucet aerator that has a low flow rate. This will allow for maximum water efficiency. Check with your energy company because often times they give these away free or a reduced rate!
Run Full Loads of Dishes
When you run the dishwasher make sure it is a full load and not just a couple items. If you don’t fill your dishwasher daily then don’t run it daily. Run it only every couple of days. Also skip the pre-rinse as most newer dish washers don’t require it.
Turn Off Those Lights
Remind everyone in your household to turn off lights when they are not in use. This can be a great way to reduce your lighting costs. Can’t get your family to comply with this rule? Install timers on all the light switches!
Use Natural Daylight
During the day, if you can, use natural daylight. It’s free. Winter makes this more difficult in the evening hours, but there are moments of the day this is possible.
Buy LED Lightbulbs
LEDs use much less energy for the same light and last up to 15 years. You can get LED lights pretty much for any type of light you own these days. Standing at the hardware store in the light aisle can be overwhelming, but stick to the LED for maximum savings.
Use Your Small Appliances
Small appliances like microwaves tend to use less energy. Think about using an instapot one night a week or your slow cooker to make a meal. Or, maybe use this as permission to get takeout. Bonus in the summer is that it will keep your house cooler too!
Turn Off Power Strips
Advanced power strips can help you with this, but if you don’t want to replace all the power strips in your house, turn them off when not in use. All those cell phone chargers and other chargers you have plugged in continue to draw power even when not charging devices.
Get Rid of Dryer Lint
Dryer lint buildup will make your dryer run less efficiently. Ensure that you are cleaning out that lint trap with every load and also cleaning out the dryer venting system at least once a year as well! This will help prevent dryer fires.
Sleep Your Computer
Screensavers don’t actual save much of anything. They use more energy and don’t really extend screen life. Instead, turn off your computer or put it into power-saving mode. You can also check the settings for some ways to automatically have your computer go into sleep mode when you are not using it.
Little things can make a big dent in your bills. Take a minute to walk around your house and make notes on where you can save the most. Then take some time to implement these simple things. After you’ve implemented them for some time, check your bills and treat yourself to a little something! You deserve it after all that saving!
Since 1954, Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, a family owned and operated company, has been meeting the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning needs of homeowners and businesses in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a plumbing emergency, or you need a heating and cooling home comfort system, “Do it Right! Call them anytime “Day or Nite.” Be sure to browse here for in-depth answers to homeowner’s top plumbing and heating questions, or send your own questions directly to the expert.
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