With the new year upon us, you’ve likely made some goals and resolutions you’re ready to begin. If saving energy isn’t on your list, it very well should be. Here we’ll help you realize that there are very simple steps you can take to improve your energy efficiency and conservation this year.
- When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. These appliances meet our government’s standard for energy efficiency.
- Cover bare floors with rugs, as they assist with heat retention, especially on floors without insulation.
- Wash full loads of cloths in cold water as much as possible.
- Check hot water pipes for leaks, as these can drain your energy savings quickly.
- Keep your freezer full. A full freezer uses less energy than an empty one, and you’ll be able to stock up on delicious snacks!
- Use the right burner size when cooking in a pot. Using a small pot on a large burner can waste heat and energy.
- Change your light bulbs if you haven’t already, and purchase more energy efficient ones.
- Use a power strip to plug in your electronics. That way when they aren’t in use, you can turn the power strip off.
- Use a thermostat to turn off your heater or air conditioner when you’re not at home.
- Limit the use of space heaters, as they draw a lot of energy and emit heat only in small areas.
These easy steps leave no excuse for not focusing on energy efficiency. While the task may seem daunting, it’s much simpler than you might imagine and the benefits to your wallet, your comfort and the environment outweigh all of the small inconveniences during change.