Ways to Save Energy at Home

Whether your motive is to save the planet or save your bills, (or both) saving energy at home is a worthy cause. There are plenty of ways to save on heating and AC, electricity and gas, and this list will help you reduce cost (and waste) each month at home. We live in a world where we’re lucky enough to have hot running water, a lit stove, and heat at the touch of a button or the turn of a knob. Energy responsibility can be our way of giving back, since each luxury we enjoy is a marvel.

Seal Doors and Windows

One of the best ways to start saving energy at home is to seal the cracks around your doors and windows. Often, if a window is old or was improperly installed, cracks or gaps along the edges will let in cold air (and let out warm air) all winter long. You can save a couple hundred each year, depending on the size of your house and the intensity of your window and door problems. An easy way to find and fix your windows and doors is to tour your home with a lit stick of incense. The smoke will get sucked outside if you hold it near a crack, and you can make note of where you need to seal your windows. The gaps can then be sealed with anything from caulk to metal strips.

Get Your Heat Fixed

If your furnace or AC isn’t working properly, it’s actually costing you energy. Older heating systems are often less energy efficient, and any poorly operating system means more energy used, since your thermostat will keep on climbing as you try to get warm. Whether you live in Birmingham, AL, or Edison, NJ, residential heating repair is only a phone call away.

Change Your Roof

Did you know your roof can save you energy every year? Especially if you live in a warmer climate, residential metal roofing may be the answer to your high AC bills. Metal roofs reflect the sun and let less heat into your home. Most designs are energy efficient, so next time you need to get your roof updated, consider metal instead of shingles.

Turn Off and Unplug

So simple, we often forget it--unplugging and turning off saves hundreds every year in electricity cost. Many plugged-in items around our home are still using energy when not turned on (if you see a little light, it’s still sucking power). Flipping the switch that fully shuts down the dishwasher, or unplugging your computer when not in use are some of the little ways you can reduce energy costs. And of course, turn off lights when you’re not in the room. All these things will add up and assist you on your mission towards energy efficiency.