Want to cut energy usage and save money? Then follow these tips below to do so.
1. Replace Your Water Heater
There are generally two types of water heating systems— tankless on-demand and traditional units. Tankless on-demand systems heat water only when needed and the taps are turned on, whereas, traditional units will constantly keep water heated to a set temperature. In especially cold climates, traditional water heaters are doubly inefficient because they can’t heat the water to an even temperature throughout the unit. For this reason, making the switch to a tankless on-demand unit is well worth your consideration.
2. Keep Your Water Heater Insulated
Even if your hot water heater tank is currently insulated, there’s more you can do to further improve its functionality. For example, insulating the water pipes the system uses can further reduce heat loss as the water makes its way to your taps.
3. Reduce The Temperature Of Your Water
Some homeowners will opt to have scalding hot water coming out of their gas water heaters, but even if they have that preference, cold water needs to be mixed in. In order to bring the temperature down, you’ve just wasted cold water as well as energy to unnecessarily heat the water to an extreme temperature according to . Lower the thermostat on your water heater tank and you can save money!
4. Select A Low-Flow Showerhead
You can make your showers more energy efficient by opting for a low-flow showerhead. These showerheads control water output without making your showers any less enjoyable! Always look over your faucets for any potential leaks as well because they can add up over time when they drip and waste water.
5. Select Efficient Appliances
Home appliances are usually graded for Energy Star compliance, therefore, selecting appliances that bear this seal will help you reduce your energy usage. For example, you can reduce your energy consumption by using less water and requiring your appliance to heat and work less overall. To ensure that your household is completely efficient, upgrade to Energy Star compliant appliances.
6. Use Cold Water For Laundry
Most as well as detergent brands make their products just as powerful and effective when cold water is employed. If you’re not sure about washing your garments in cold water, at least wait until you can do a large or full load of laundry to help you reduce energy usage.
7. Try Lowering Your Dishwasher Water Temperature
Many modern dishwashers have a so-called economy mode that uses lower water temperature to wash your dishes. Consider upgrading your existing appliance if yours doesn’t come with this function and also make sure that it has a good energy efficient rating. Lastly, make sure to only run a cycle on your dishwasher when it’s full as otherwise you’re simply wasting resources on a few dirty dishes!
8. Keep Your Oven Sealed Properly
Make sure that your oven’s door is properly insulated and sealed off to prevent any heat from escaping. The more worn out the seals are in your oven, the more heat it requires to cook your food. Prevent heat loss by ensuring that your oven door is closed during the entire time your meal is cooking. If you have a gas oven, know that they heat up much faster than electric ovens, so you can usually skip the preheating step.
9. Upgrade Your Cookware
What you cook with (your pots and pans) can also impact your energy usage. Older metals are less conductive to heat and require more energy for heating. For example, to ensure a faster boiling time, ensure that your pot has a tightly-fitted lid while a round-bottomed pan can help cook foods quickly and more evenly. Lastly, before you finish cooking your meal, turn off your gas stove and let the residual heat finish the job!
These tips are simple to implement for any range of lifestyles and can help you reduce your overall energy spending. Even if you feel overwhelmed right now, just implement one tip today and see how well you do! Gradually decreasing your energy consumption can make a world of difference.
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