In honor of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, we invite you to explore various effective strategies to reduce your energy expenses. The Department of Energy offers a wealth of low-cost and no-cost methods to take the reins on your energy consumption, which can have significant impact even when employing seemingly minor changes.
Five Practical Tips to Save on Energy
Light Up Your Space Efficiently
Revamping your home’s lighting situation by upgrading to LED bulbs can lead to more than just brightening your rooms. It can mean an estimated annual saving of over $200. Remember to opt for LEDs with the ENERGY STAR mark to ensure maximum efficiency and savings.
Smart Temperature Adjustments
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat affords you the convenience and efficiency of tailoring your home’s temperature to your daily patterns, potentially leading to a 10% reduction in heating costs. Just by dialing back the temperature by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day, you tap into significant savings.
Embrace the Power of the Sun
Embracing solar energy by installing a solar PV system can significantly lower your energy costs and even boost your home’s value by about $15,000. Energized by President Biden’s Investing in America plan, you can make the switch more affordably with a 30% federal tax credit and possibly additional state and energy provider incentives.
Invest in a Modern Heat Pump
Modern air-source heat pumps not only provide heating and cooling but also slash electricity usage by approximately 65%. Beyond just energy savings, these high-efficiency pumps offer superior humidification control, enhancing your comfort level during the more sweltering months.
Personalize Your Energy Savings with a Home Energy Audit
Before jumping into clean technology upgrades, a professional home energy audit, which may be tax-deductible up to 30%, can be a smart move. This assessment customizes your energy-saving plan, ensuring your home is ideally weatherized to maximize the effectiveness of any technological enhancements.
Adopting changes in how we use energy not only fosters savings but also contributes positively to environmental conservation efforts. By implementing some or all of these tips, you can make strides towards a more energy-efficient lifestyle.
