Making a resolution to go on a diet this January? Open a savings account? Here’s another idea: Do one thing a month that’ll make your home more energy-efficient.
January: Get into the habit of turning your thermostat down by about 10 degrees before your family turns in for the night or leaves home in the morning. You can save as much as 1% on heating for every degree you lower the heat for eight consecutive hours.
February: Pull your refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum or dust its condenser and coils. Clean coils prevent your fridge’s working parts from overheating.
March: Wash your windows—inside and out—and open the drapes. The sun can’t warm and brighten your rooms if it can’t find its way through grimy windowpanes.
April: Spring for an annual inspection of your air conditioning system. It can keep your central AC running smoothly and efficiently all summer.
May: Seal air leaks around windows, doors and other openings—like the place where cables and wires come into the wall from the outside—with caulk and weatherstripping.
June: Hire a licensed electrician to inspect your home’s electrical wiring system—not every year but at least once a decade.
July: Give your AC a break by grilling your dinner outside and serving fresh, cold salads as side dishes.
August: Run your clothes washer and dryer and your dishwasher after dark. That will reduce the heat and humidity in the air, and it helps your electric cooperative by lowering peak use.
September: Get that heating and AC tech back to your house for a heating inspection. A tune-up can save you as much as 5% on your heating bill.
October: Set the thermostat on your water heater to no more than 120 degrees to prevent scalding and save energy.
November: Keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight in and closed at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
December: Replace your old holiday lights with LED options, which last years longer and use far less energy.
Posted: 1/1/2024 11:17:36 PM
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