Let’s face it: With the cost of living at an all-time high, finding ways to save money is top of mind. Internet searches offer many tips, like installing a smart thermostat and running large appliances in the evenings, but here are five lesser-known ways to energy-proof your home and make a dent in your energy bills this winter.
1
CLEAN LARGE APPLIANCES.
We don’t give much thought to the vents at the back of our
refrigerators and clothes dryers, but those vents often get clogged with dust. This makes the motors work harder, which in turn requires more energy. Vacuuming those vents twice a year can help them work more efficiently. (Here’s another tip: Using the air-dry option on the dishwasher and washing clothes on a shorter cycle also saves energy!)
2
POWER BARS ARE YOUR FRIEND.
Power bars are more valuable than just providing extra outlets. Many things in your home use energy even when not in use, like televisions, cable boxes, countertop appliances and gaming consoles. Plugging small appliances and electronic devices into a single power bar allows you to switch them off before heading to bed.
3
CEILING FANS DO MORE THAN COOL YOUR ROOM.
Ceiling fans are great when you want to lower the temperature in a room. But did you know that most ceiling fans also have a “reverse” option that can also help warm your room? By flipping the switch on the side of the base of the ceiling fan in the opposite direction, you push hot air down into the room, making it feel warmer.
4
SEAL YOUR DUCTWORK.
Have you noticed that your unfinished basement is hot, but your upper floors aren’t? The joints in your ductwork might be letting hot air escape, so you’re heating rooms that don’t need it and taking heat away from the rooms that do. Apply heat-venting tape to all visible joints in your ductwork to
better direct the heat where it’s needed. Multipurpose duct tape can be purchased at any hardware store.
5
REPLACE AIR FILTERS IN VENTS MORE OFTEN.
Your HVAC system works harder during the coldest and warmest months, so change your filters frequently. As the filter catches dust, pet dander, etc., the mesh through which air passes becomes denser, and your system has to run
longer and work harder to pull air through to heat rooms. Check your filters monthly. Replacing your filters every few months could save money on your utility bills.
BONUS:
Have you ever charged your phone or laptop but left the charger in the outlet once the device is fully charged?Many don’t know that an unused charger is drawing power even without a device attached. Once your phone or other electronic device is fully charged, unplug the charger and avoid phantom power consumption.
