You’re always using energy as a homeowner. From powering up your air conditioner during the summer to charging your smartphone overnight, various appliances and devices use electricity. This means that there are various reasons your electric bills can rise.
Are you looking for ways to save energy at home? At Marshall Services, our residential technicians understand that saving energy is a common goal for many Southeast Pennsylvanians. The excellent news is that you can make many simple changes to waste less energy — which can lower your energy bill in the process. Let’s discuss five of the most effective home energy savings tips.
What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home?
When learning about home energy savings tips, knowing which appliances, devices, and systems use the most energy is useful. In most instances, your HVAC system will account for almost half of your energy consumption throughout the course of a year. Water heaters typically come in at second place, with your washing machine and dryer ranking at third.
As you can see, keeping your heater and air conditioning system well-maintained is incredibly important. Failing to do so can do more than ruin your comfort — it can elevate your energy costs. It’s also vital to use your various appliances wisely. In some instances, you might want to replace your appliances with energy-efficient alternatives to boost your energy savings.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Keeping up with your HVAC system is one of the easiest ways to save energy at home. You can improve your energy efficiency when you schedule maintenance services for your air conditioning and heating systems.
An efficient HVAC system runs smoothly and doesn’t have to waste as much energy to keep you comfortable. As a result, you can save money while keeping cool during the summer and warm during the winter. If you want to learn more about the benefits of routine maintenance, contact a Montgomery County, PA, HVAC specialist for additional information.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Are you constantly running out the door and forgetting to adjust your thermostat? This common issue for homeowners can cause energy costs to rise. Fortunately, this problem is easily solved with a smart or programmable thermostat. Nowadays, there are many types of thermostats on the market that you can control right from your smartphone.
These devices allow you to adjust your thermostat from anywhere — whether you’re at work or at the supermarket. When you’re able to easily control the temperature in your home, such as by raising the thermostat setting when you’re away during the summer, you can save a great deal of energy over time.
Rethink Your Home’s Lighting
If you use incandescent bulbs in your home, you might consider switching to LEDs. LED lights are known to waste less energy and are more efficient, which means they can last a long time. Upgrading to LED lightbulbs is one of the easiest ways to save energy at home.
However, if you’re looking to lower your energy bills further, you may want to try turning the lights off altogether. Relying on natural light during the day, such as by opening blinds, can also potentially lower your energy consumption.
Charge Your Devices Wisely
If you’re constantly running around during the day, it’s usually more convenient to charge your phone overnight. However, this simple choice can lead to wasted energy. One of our home energy savings tips is to unplug your devices when they’re done charging. You will also want to unplug the charger after you’re finished using it; leaving it plugged in can also use up some energy.
Does unplugging things save electricity? While it may not save as much energy as adjusting your thermostat setting or properly maintaining your AC, it can certainly help you save a little. Even the smallest adjustments to your lifestyle can make a difference in the long term.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
If you’re still looking for ways to save energy at home, turn to your washing machine next. Since running a load of laundry with hot water wastes greater amounts of energy, you should consider washing your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Of course, some types of clothing, such as whites and those that have grease stains, benefit the most when washed in hot water.
Always try to run full loads when you can, no matter which setting you choose. While doing this one simple thing can help in conserving energy, you will also go through less laundry detergent.
Maximize Energy Savings at Home With Marshall Services
While some may be more effective than others, it’s important to note that even small adjustments — such as the water temperature of your washing machine — can make a difference when it comes to saving energy at home.
If it’s time to schedule an HVAC maintenance service or you’re looking for more home energy savings tips, get in touch with Marshall Services. We offer air conditioner replacements, water heater repairs, electrical repair services, and more to ensure that your household is as comfortable as possible. Contact us to see what our friendly professionals can do for you!