Everyone wants to save money. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the most difference, especially when they become a habit. The more you and your family start following through with these small changes, the bigger your energy savings will be. The following tips will help you lower your utility bills and keep your budget under control.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat and Other Smart Devices
Install a smart thermostat and consider using other smart devices. There are several home automation systems that you can control from a smartphone that allows you to turn your lights on and off whether you are at home or away. You can also adjust your thermostat and other appliances. Smart appliances are becoming increasingly popular, and as a result, are much cheaper than ever before.
2. Let the Light Shine In
Open your curtains and let the light shine in! Natural light is better for your eyes and when the sun is shining through your windows, it also raises the temperature inside your home. The more the sun shines in, the less your furnace will run and the less electricity will be used to light the room. Natural light can also benefit your overall health.
3. Use Cold Water for Laundry
Using cold water for your laundry works just as well as warm water. It’s the soap that does most of the work. If you have a tough stain to remove, pre-soak the garment and treat it again when you put it in the washer. Where possible use cold water for washing your clothes, thus avoiding wastage of energy.
4. Close Your Curtains at Night
While keeping your curtains open during the day lets light and heat in, closing them at night will prevent cooler air from making its way inside if your windows have gaps or the weatherstripping isn’t up to par. It also helps to provide the privacy you want after the sun goes down. Heavy curtains can block drafts and keep your home nice and warm at night.
5. Wait until Your Dishwasher Is Full
Avoid running the dishwasher unless it is full. Frequent loads when the appliance is only partially full wastes both water and electricity. Washing full loads make the most out of the electricity and the water you use. It also helps to save on soap. The same is true when doing laundry. Unless you have the newer models that automatically adjust the water levels to the size of the load, you should wait until the washer is full before starting it.
There are many more ways to save on electricity, gas, and water. Teach your family to turn off the light switch whenever they leave a room or close the door to prevent heat loss. If you are interested in learning more about your homeowners’ insurance, contact the experts at Scautub Agency in Scotia, New York. We are ready to help with the insurance coverage you need.