As we start the new year, we are here with new tools to Elevate your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider implementing these simple tactics to help save you money and the planet this year:
TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS
Make a consistent effort to turn off your lights when you leave a room. During the day, use more natural light by opening up curtains and blinds. It’s a simple change, but it can make a big difference in your energy bill.
USE A POWER STRIP
There are a lot of electronics that will use power, even when they’re turned off. These include TVs, computers, video game consoles, and chargers. To prevent this from happening, plug these electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use. This will ensure that energy isn’t being wasted on these energy vampires.
LEARN ABOUT DEMAND CHARGES
If your utility company uses demand charges, learn more about them! Demand represents the amount of electricity (kWh) being used in a single point in time. Many utility companies charge extra when you use electricity during peak times, when electricity is in high demand. Avoid using major appliances like the dishwasher, dryer, and oven during peak hours. Contact your utility to find out if you are paying demand charges and what they consider to be your peak energy times. Changes you make to shift your energy use out of those times can make a huge impact on your monthly energy bill.
CLEAN OUT YOUR AIR FILTERS
Cleaning your air filters keeps your heating and cooling systems in better condition and can help reduce your energy bill. Air filters should be cleaned and replaced on a routine schedule of about every 90 days. This year, make a point to clean or change your air filters every two to three months. If you have pets or live in a place with lots of dust, you may want to clean them more frequently.
GET A SMART THERMOSTAT
Investing in a smart thermostat is a great way to save money in the long run. With a smart thermostat you are able to program the air conditioning and heating as needed. Smart thermostats use advanced technology to learn your energy behaviors and adjust to your lifestyle preferences. They can sense where you are in your home and regulate the temperature to ensure you are comfortable, while saving money. Some models also include energy reports, which can give you further insight in how to save energy and money.
SWITCH TO LED LIGHTING
Switching your light bulbs to LED bulbs is a simple way to start saving energy. LED lights use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last a lot longer, which can save you money too!
TRACK YOUR ENERGY USE
There are many great tools available that can track your energy consumption. Curb Energy Monitoring is one great option. Curb tracks your home’s energy use in real time so you can see how much energy you’re using and make choices on how to save. The ability to track your energy use gives you the information you need to manage your home’s energy more efficiently..
GET AN ENERGY AUDIT
A great way to start off the new year is to get a thorough assessment of your home’s energy efficiency. An energy audit can help you see what works well in your home, what needs to improve, and how you can start seeing savings on your utility bill. An auditor will inspect your home’s exterior and interior, using advanced technology to find problem areas in the home. Typically, an audit will measure air leakage, check insulation levels, and identify areas that need to be sealed. It offers an accurate and complete look into the way that your home uses energy and individualized tips to increase efficiency in your home.
7 New Year’s Resolutions For Energy Saving
As we start the new year, we are here with new tools to Elevate your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider implementing these simple tactics to help save you money and the planet this year:
TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS
Make a consistent effort to turn off your lights when you leave a room. During the day, use more natural light by opening up curtains and blinds. It’s a simple change, but it can make a big difference in your energy bill.
USE A POWER STRIP
There are a lot of electronics that will use power, even when they’re turned off. These include TVs, computers, video game consoles, and chargers. To prevent this from happening, plug these electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use. This will ensure that energy isn’t being wasted on these energy vampires.
LEARN ABOUT DEMAND CHARGES
If your utility company uses demand charges, learn more about them! Demand represents the amount of electricity (kWh) being used in a single point in time. Many utility companies charge extra when you use electricity during peak times, when electricity is in high demand. Avoid using major appliances like the dishwasher, dryer, and oven during peak hours. Contact your utility to find out if you are paying demand charges and what they consider to be your peak energy times. Changes you make to shift your energy use out of those times can make a huge impact on your monthly energy bill.
CLEAN OUT YOUR AIR FILTERS
Cleaning your air filters keeps your heating and cooling systems in better condition and can help reduce your energy bill. Air filters should be cleaned and replaced on a routine schedule of about every 90 days. This year, make a point to clean or change your air filters every two to three months. If you have pets or live in a place with lots of dust, you may want to clean them more frequently.
GET A SMART THERMOSTAT
Investing in a smart thermostat is a great way to save money in the long run. With a smart thermostat you are able to program the air conditioning and heating as needed. Smart thermostats use advanced technology to learn your energy behaviors and adjust to your lifestyle preferences. They can sense where you are in your home and regulate the temperature to ensure you are comfortable, while saving money. Some models also include energy reports, which can give you further insight in how to save energy and money.
SWITCH TO LED LIGHTING
Switching your light bulbs to LED bulbs is a simple way to start saving energy. LED lights use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last a lot longer, which can save you money too!
TRACK YOUR ENERGY USE
There are many great tools available that can track your energy consumption. Curb Energy Monitoring is one great option. Curb tracks your home’s energy use in real time so you can see how much energy you’re using and make choices on how to save. The ability to track your energy use gives you the information you need to manage your home’s energy more efficiently..
GET AN ENERGY AUDIT
A great way to start off the new year is to get a thorough assessment of your home’s energy efficiency. An energy audit can help you see what works well in your home, what needs to improve, and how you can start seeing savings on your utility bill. An auditor will inspect your home’s exterior and interior, using advanced technology to find problem areas in the home. Typically, an audit will measure air leakage, check insulation levels, and identify areas that need to be sealed. It offers an accurate and complete look into the way that your home uses energy and individualized tips to increase efficiency in your home.
Contact us today to schedule one with Elevation.
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