Ready to save money on your energy bill and keep your home in tip-top shape? The average U.S. home wastes 30% of the energy the homeowner buys.  Much of that can be saved with wise energy management and proper home maintenance.  Follow these 15 tips on how to make your home more energy efficient.

1. Service the Heating and Cooling System

Scheduling to have your HVAC system tuned up each year may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, keeping maintenance current could save you from having to spend up to $8,000 on a new unit well before yours is set to expire.  Improper maintenance can add 20% to your monthly A/C bill.

2. Wash Clothes on Cold or Warm

Did you know 90% of the energy used to wash clothes is to heat the water? Imagine how much more energy efficient you could be by choosing the cold or warm settings.

3. Seal Windows to Save Energy

No one loves a drafty home. Seal your windows, adding weatherstripping around the frames and silicone caulk over cracks in drywalls to be energy efficient. You’ll depend less on the thermostat for comfort while saving money on energy bills.  In some homes windows were not properly caulked when they were installed.  If you have a draft around your windows they may need calking.  

4. Add a Storm Door

Extra protection is what you get from a storm door, reducing energy loss by up to half, according to the Department of Energy. Not bad for a small investment that can last up to 50 years.

5. Consider Solar Panels

Adding solar panels can work to your advantage when trying to be energy efficient! Not only will you save on energy costs, but you’ll gain annual tax incentives for having them.  Solar in many areas now pays for itself over 12 to 15 years.  Think about having your energy bill paid off long term by converting your current electricity bill to paying for a solar installation.

6. Turn Down the Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by three to five degrees can make a difference on your monthly utility bill. Turning it down 10 to 15 degrees while you’re at work each day could help you save up to 15% on your overall expenses each year. 

7. Seal Attic with Insulation 

Your attic can hold either a lot of heat or freezing temperatures. Sealing leaks with insulation can improve heating and cooling costs for your home, making it more energy efficient.

8. Go With Low-Flow Showerheads

Who doesn’t love a long, hot shower? By installing a low-flow showerhead, you can treat yourself to extra minutes in the shower while saving up to 50% on water usage per minute and energy on heating water.

9. Choose Energy Star Items

When replacing new appliances and televisions, go for those that are Energy Star efficient. These products meet specifications set by the EPA, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. 

10. Opt for a Laptop Computer  

Laptop computers use up to 80% less electricity than desktop computers. Plus, they’re portable for added convenience. Go greener at your work desk or wherever you travel, and be more energy efficient.

11.Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs

Going green with Halogen, CFL and LED light bulbs is a step in the right direction to be energy efficient. They also last longer, limiting trips up the step ladder to change bulbs. LED lighting can save 8% of your energy bill and pays for itself.

12. Stop Using a Space Heater 

Space heaters drain energy from your home with little to show for it. If you do use one, make sure it is energy efficient. Or simply add a few blankets to your bed, or wear a sweater to save on bills.

13. Begin Using a Compost Pile

Reduce the amount of trash you produce while creating free fertilizer for your yard by starting a compost pile in your backyard.

14. Plug in Chargers Only in Use

Plugged-in chargers that aren’t in use continue to use energy around the clock. If you have several plugged in at home, they could account for up to 10% of your energy bill! Time to unplug and be more energy efficient.

15. Monitor Your Home With Shipshape 

Keeping tabs on your home and how it uses energy can help you save on energy costs and avoid costly repairs for your home. Shipshape is an intelligent way to protect your home, networking all of your home’s critical systems together to help you affordably and automatically monitor your home. There’s no complex set up or programming. In fact, many homeowners find it simple enough to set up themselves, helping them avoid  high humidity and temperature levels, leaks and floods, fire hazards, mold and rot, and more.

To learn more about Shipshape, complete the form located here. One of our Care Specialists will be in touch to help make your home smarter, safer, more reliable, and more energy efficient. Or give us a call to talk to a Care Specialist on the spot about configurations, custom solutions, or questions you may have.