Are you looking for some simple things you can do to save energy this winter? Making small changes can add up to big savings over time. Make time to walk around your house and follow these tips from the Department of Energy:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. LED lighting is available in a wide variety of home and industrial products, and the list is growing every year. The rapid development of LED technology has resulted in increased product availability and lower prices.
- Plug electronics into smart power strips to cut power to devices when they’re not in use. This stops vampire load, or electricity use while devices are not in use. Smart power strips can save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode and turn off the flow of electricity.
- Seal drafts with weatherstripping or caulk to heat or cool your house—not the neighborhood.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat to manage temperatures efficiently. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7–10 degrees for eight hours a day.
- Switch to low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water use.
- You can also build habits that will lower your utility bills every day. Start by:
- Turning off lights when you leave a room, using reminders, like a sticky note, until it becomes routine.
- Washing clothes with cold water and air-drying them to limit appliance use.
- Opening curtains and blinds to use daylight instead of artificial lighting.
Decide if some or all of these tips work for your family. Even a few of these changes can lead to significant energy savings and a more comfortable home.