Energy Saving Tips

It seems like no matter where we turn, everything is just getting more expensive. From interest rates to housing prices to the actual costs to live in those houses. In fact, inflation hit a 40-year high of over 9% this summer to include an increase in energy prices, so we’re all pinching pennies these days. Here are a few simple things to do around the house to help keep energy usage and cost down, especially heading into these colder winter months. 

Winterize Empty Rooms

This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’ve got a traditional ducted heating system in your home, chances are that most vents in your home are open. But what about that rarely used attic rec room or the guest room that doesn’t ever really have any guests? Close the vents in those rooms unless you’re in them, set a minimum temperature on your thermostat, or (if you have additional thermostats and no pipes to worry about) leave the heat off in those places entirely. 

Water Heater

Here’s one many people don’t consider: lower the preset temperature on your water heater. In terms of overall energy consumption, water heaters rank third in a home’s most-used items. Really, all heat producing appliances are energy hogs but water heaters are especially used because so much relies on hot water. Think about it: laundry, washing dishes, washing hands, bathing. All of these things happen multiple times a day and all need hot water. Experts recommend setting the temperature to 120 degrees. 

Trick Your Tank

You know the back of the toilet tank that refills with water every time you flush? Yeah. There are ways to trick your tank into thinking it’s got more water in it than it actually does. Considering the average person uses 88 gallons of water a day and nearly 2 of these gallons are spent on each and every flush, that water usage adds up. Using a water displacement method is a way to use less water each time your tank needs to be filled. Try placing a full plastic water bottle inside the back tank. This will push the fill line higher without using any more actual water! That adds up to actual real savings on your water bill. 

What are your favorite energy saving tips? Tell us in the comments!