We often hear people telling us to conserve energy, save energy and you will save some dollars on your electricity bill. Well, that’s true. Winter means the use of more heat, more lights and thus more energy, giving us shocking bills every month. Use the following tips to save energy and money:
Take advantage of sunlight and let it give you natural warmth in rooms. If you have south-facing windows, open the curtains and let the sunlight make your room cozy.
Keep the doors of your rooms closed to trap heat in each room. This way you will use less energy in trying to warm up your entire house.
Having thick mats or rugs can make rooms cozy.
Instead of turning the thermostat to a higher temperature inside, wear woollen clothing and keep the temperature low. You will save money on your heat bill.
Keep air vents clear of furniture and appliances so your furnace can work more efficiently.
When on holidays, unplug electronics that will not be used when you are away, like televisions, microwaves, computers, etc.
Motion detector lights along with indoor/outdoor timers and dimmers can help in saving energy and also increase the life of bulbs.
Use energy-saving mode in your appliances like dishwasher and washing machine. Also, use LED holiday lights and ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs, which use up to 75 percent less energy.
A simple tune-up or annual inspection of your furnace can help you save some dollars on your next heating bill. Also, clean or replace your furnace filter regularly for extra savings.
To add more insulation to your windows, use clear plastic sheeting. This will increase insulation and reduce icy drafts with minimal effort and minimal cost.
Maintain comfortable temperatures at home using programmable thermostats – 20°C to 21°C when you are at home, 18°C when you are asleep or away.
Use your electrical appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and ovens during the off-peak hours – 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays.
To keep your house warm, close the fireplace damper unless a fire is burning. Keeping it open will allow the warm air to go right up the chimney.
It is essential that we conserve energy not just to keep energy bills down but also for our environment. Turn off lights, AC, heater and other electrical equipment when not in use. Take advantage of natural light during the day. Using energy wisely can reduce your energy bill significantly and also limit the number of carbon emissions in the environment.
We all know how carbon emissions play a significant role in climate change and are the reason behind powerful natural disasters in recent years. Therefore cutting back on energy consumption is always a good idea; it produces a higher quality of life. Reduced emissions mean cleaner air quality and a healthier planet. We all can do our little bit in conserving energy and thus reducing carbon footprints to ensure that our natural resources like lakes, trees and animals are around for future generations.
