Conserving energy can save the environment and your budget!

Most of us consider our homes a haven, where we can relax and take it easy. However, while we conserve our energy, our homes consume it. Residential units account for 21% of the total energy consumed in the US, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE).

There are many simple steps you can take to reduce your home’s energy use. This will help the environment and your budget. The credit counselors at ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions know that consumers who make the effort to reduce their energy use today will save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Kitchen

• Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load. Using the air dry option and avoiding the pre-rinse cycle will also save energy.
• Move your refrigerator if it is located near a stove, dishwasher, or other heat source; You won’t need to consume as much energy to stay cool.
• Clean items that block freezer vents and vacuum refrigerator coils every few months.
• Set your refrigerator temperature to 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit and set the freezer to 5 degrees.
• When shopping for a new refrigerator, consider a top-freezer model, which can use 10-25% less energy than a side-by-side model. Forgoing the automatic ice maker and door dispensers will also save on energy costs.
• Use the microwave to cook small meals; consumes less energy than your oven.

laundry room

• Wait until you have a full load of laundry to use the washer. If you need to run a small load, reduce the water level accordingly.
• Wash loads at cooler temperatures. The vast majority of the energy used by washing machines goes to heating the water.
• Clean the lint screen after each dryer load and make sure the dryer vent is not blocked.
• When weather permits, hang wet clothing outside to dry. In the winter, hang your wet clothes inside to dry; You’ll save energy while helping to humidify your home.

Bathrooms

• Install water-saving showerheads and switch to low-flow toilets.
• Quickly fix leaky faucets and “running” toilets.

laundry

• Dirty filters block airflow and force your furnace to work harder. Replace the filter every month, or according to the instructions in your manual.
• Have your oven inspected and cleaned every year to keep it running at peak efficiency.
• If your heating system uses oil or propane, find the lowest cost fuel supplier.
• Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating blanket if the tank feels “warm” to the touch. This can help reduce one of the largest (47%) energy costs in your home. If you have a gas water heater, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Turn your water heater thermostat down to 120 degrees, which is considered hot enough for a typical family’s needs.
• If your heating system is not equipped with a humidifier, consider purchasing a portable unit and placing it in a commonly used area. The extra moisture will make your home feel warmer.

Thermostat

• Turning your thermostat down 10-15% for most of the day will reduce your annual heating costs by almost 10%. Lower the interior temperature to 65 or 60 degrees when the house is unoccupied or people are sleeping.
• A programmable thermostat that automatically regulates your home’s heating and cooling temperatures can further reduce energy costs.

accessories

• If you’re looking for a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label, a joint program of the DOE and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star appliances are often more efficient and generally cost less than other models.
• Unplug computers, monitors, televisions, DVD players, VCRs, and other electronic devices when not in use. They consume electricity even when turned off. At the very least, put them in “sleep” mode.

Turning on

• Lighting energy accounts for about 10% of your electricity bill, so it pays to use energy-saving light bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs may cost more up front, but they use up to 75% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
• According Consumer Reports magazine, the average home has about 45 lights. Turn off lights when not in use!

Windows and doors

• Caulking exterior doors and windows will help keep warm air inside your home.
• Replace worn weather stripping and repair damaged glass.
• Replace old, inefficient windows with Energy Star-labeled windows with high-performance glass.
• Keep blinds and curtains open during the day to let in the sun; Close them at night to retain heat.

Attic/Garage/Basement

• Increasing your home’s insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. Invest in proper insulation for your attic and adjoining rooms; rooms next to or above the garage; and exterior basement walls.
• Seal large gaps around fireplaces, furnace flues, plumbing pipes, and light fixtures.

Radiators/Heating Vents

• Keep radiators or heating ducts free of dust. Make sure that certain furniture, curtains or other items do not block them.
• Seal leaks, cracks and gaps in your heating ducts. The DOE estimates that the typical duct system loses 25-40% of the energy emitted by the central furnace or heat pump.
• Reverse the rotation of your ceiling fan blades during the winter to redistribute warm air as it rises.

Seek help if energy costs are onerous

Sometimes even the most diligent energy-saving measures cannot completely “insulate” the family budget from onerous energy costs. If you’re having trouble paying your monthly utility bills, ask your utility provider if they have a customer assistance program. Check with state and local agencies for sources of energy financial assistance and find out if you qualify for the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program.

For additional information on ways to reduce your monthly expenses and stay within your household budget, contact the credit counselors at ClearPoint Financial Solutions.