If you want to save some money and do your part to care for the environment, then consider taking some steps to make your home more energy-efficient. Read on for a few ideas.
Check Doors and Windows
First, check all your doors and windows for leaks and gaps that can let your cool or warm air escape outside, bring in unwanted warm or cool air and raise your cooling and heating energy usage and bills. Caulk around windows if you discover issues, and make sure your doors fit securely. If you must, tuck draft blockers around gaps at the bottoms of doors.
Insulate
You might also add more insulation to your home, especially if it is an older house that tends to be chilly. Contact a company that specializes in insulation, and get a recommendation. Experts might suggest traditional fiberglass insulation or newer spray insulation in Pittsburgh depending on your situation.
Watch for Power Drains
If you aren’t aware of phantom power consumption, then you should be. Leaving appliances, electronic devices and even phone chargers plugged in when you aren’t using them does use energy. So unplug them when not in use. Also, turn off lights when you leave a room, and consider turning your thermostat down a couple degrees in the winter and up a couple degrees in the summer. You can compensate by putting on a sweater or by starting the ceiling fan, but you will save some energy.
Adjust Appliance Routines
Finally, adjust your appliance routines to make your home more energy-efficient. For one thing, clean your appliances, including your furnace, refrigerator and dryer, regularly. They will work better and be more efficient. Consider running your appliances mostly in the evenings or on weekends when they will be less of a strain on the energy grid. Sometimes you could even allow your dishes to air dry or hang your laundry on the clothesline outdoors.
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to cost a lot, but making a few small changes can make a big difference.
