December 31, 2019
By Diana Vu 

The new year is a perfect time to make a change. While most resolutions are focused on personal growth, relationships and work, this list of energy-saving resolutions make a difference in the world around you. If you’re looking to add a resolution to your 2020 list, choose to conserve energy.  

Small adjustments in your home and lifestyle will make a change in a big way by making the world a healthier place AND saving money. Sticking to a resolution doesn’t have to be a struggle. These energy-efficient tips are so easy that you’ll be living a greener lifestyle before you know it.  

1. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs last approximately 1,000 hours before burning out. The average CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulb,  lasts up to 8,000 hours of use. But neither of these compares to LED, which shines for up to 25,000 hours of light. LED bulbs tend to cost more than others, however, because of how long LED bulbs last they pay for themselves over time.

Replacing LED light bulbs in the most-used light fixtures will likely result in a drop in your electric bill every month. 

If you planned on buying energy-efficient light bulbs, which one would you choose?

2. Use the Ceiling Fan

Opting for the ceiling fan first instead of switching on the AC unit will save energy. Fans can effectively lower the temperature without using nearly as much energy as the air conditioner would accomplish the same thing. Homes using ceiling fans can turn their thermostats up to four degrees without noticing a big difference in temperature.

3. Seal Drafts and Cold Spots

Check for signs of drafts where cold air can leak into your home, such as doors and windows. This might include repairing loose door hinge screws and updating weatherstripping. Weatherstripping kits are typically inexpensive and make a big impact on keeping your home warmer, longer. 

A quick test for drafts in your home is to place an infrared thermometer in various spots to detect temperature differences. Air could be coming through in places such as outlets, light switches, and window frames.

4. Insulation & Thermal-Backed Curtains and Drapes

Insulation and window replacement can help homeowners save up to 25% of their monthly power usage. Insulated drapes are a quick and effective way to keep out cold and hot air. Studies show that 25% to 35% of a home’s heat is lost through windows at night. Using more energy-efficient window treatments can cut this loss by up to 25%

5. Power Up Power Strips

Electronic devices like computers, chargers, gaming consoles, and TVs can continue to consume energy even when they are turned off.  As long as they are still plugged into an electrical outlet, they are consuming energy. To prevent devices from eating up energy while off, plug into power strips and turn off the entire strip when not in use. 

Utilize a SMART power strip for maximum energy efficiency and savings:

6. Choose the Cold Cycle

Washing clothes in cold water helps you save and washing and drying several loads of laundry back-to-back uses less energy overall.  Appliances cool down and use more energy when having to power up again. 

7. Turn Down Your Water Heater

Setting your heater a bit lower will ultimately cut your energy usage. Of all your home appliances, the water heater uses the most energy. Follow these safety guidelines to safely and properly adjust both your heater and your savings of 4%-22% annually. 

8. Set Your Thermostat Back When No One’s Home

Many homeowners don’t think about changing settings on the thermostat during the day or when no one is home. Why pay for heating your home when no one is there to benefit from it? 

9. Check the Filters

Replace or clean the filters in your home regularly. Build-up and dirty filters force your system to work harder and run longer than necessary.

10. Dim the Lights

Installing dimmers on your light switches throughout your home not only sets the mood but saves energy and the lifespan of your bulbs as well.