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12 Home Energy Saving Tips
Simple Home Energy Saving Tips to Help Reduce Monthly Costs
Turn off the lights when you leave the room! How many times do you hear yourself saying this each day? And for good reason. The energy bills, electrical and gas, can be up to half the monthly costs of owning a home. Keeping the home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and supplying all the power for the many technology devices, is a challenge for Ontario families.
Here are some simple energy saving tips that can help reduce your monthly energy bills without sacrificing comfort, and help the environment along the way. Each month you may only save a few dollars, but over the year, they can add up.
1. Get the Family Involved
This might not be the tip where you will see direct savings, but getting the whole family involved in the challenge to save energy will make your job easier and see better results. Show them the energy bills! It will be a life lesson for your kids to help prepare them for the reality of owning a home, and it will give them incentives to work together towards a common goal; maybe take that dream family vacation!
2. Smart Thermostat
It has been shown that installing a smart thermostat can save 10-15% on heating and cooling costs, varying depending on individual energy usage and region. There is an initial cost of the thermostat with a typical return on investment of about 2 years. Reviews show that homeowners are investing in smart thermostat to enjoy the long term energy saving solution as well as the added benefit of being able to monitor the usage more closely.
Windows can help reduce energy costs when managed properly.
3. SOLAR CONTROL WINDOW FILM
Install solar control window film on windows that get a lot of sun to help reduce up to 70% solar heat. Additional benefits of solar window film are the UV protection and glare reduction which all homeowners to leave their drapes and blinds open more often. Natural light during the day will help reduce the need to turn on lights.
4. Open & CLOSE WINDOWS
Open windows in the cool of the day (early morning and evening) during summer months to let in fresh air and reduce the need for air conditioning. Make sure to close them up before the day becomes too hot.
5. Seal up Cracks around the Windows
Check for air leaks around the window and install weather stripping to seal up any cracks.
6. Energy Efficient Windows
If you are looking to replace the windows, look for energy efficient windows which are designed for superior insulation.
7. LISTEN FOR THE FURNACE, CLOSE WINDOWS
Let the family know that when they hear the furnace come on comes on, make sure they close the windows in their rooms and check to see if any other windows are open.
8. FURNACE MAINTENANCE
Change the filter on the furnace regularly and have it serviced every couple years to make sure it is running efficiently.
9. Manage Electronics
Plug electronics into a power bar and turn off the power bar when not in use. Some electronics, such as the television goes into standby mode when turned off which still draws electricity.
10. Install LED light bulbs.
11. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
12. Get outside!
Encourage the family to get outside to help in the garden, play ball, or go for a bike ride. The more they are outside, the less they will be on their video games, iPads, or other tech device which draws a lot of electricity. Beyond energy savings, the health benefits of being active and outside are priceless.
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