Everyone is looking for ways to save more money. On top of that, many homeowners want to lower their carbon footprint and be more sustainable. Luckily for us, the best ways to save money are also often the greenest options.
Take a moment to look around and see what you can do to save energy, lower your utility bills, and generally work to save the planet. Here are four tips and tricks for cutting energy costs that can save you money and help the environment. See which ones you’re already doing and which ones you and your family can implement today!
Switch Off
We’ve all done it before—we turned on a light and forgot to turn it off when we left the room, letting the bulbs burn up electricity. When you leave a room, always make sure you shut off all the lights and any other appliances you’re not using. Unfortunately, that can be hard to remember. If you often forget to turn off the lights, consider putting timers on them so that they deactivate when you’re elsewhere in the house or away.
Motion-activated switches can also ensure that when a room’s not in use, the lights stay off. Breaking the habit of illuminating empty rooms pays off in the long run.
Beat the Drafts
Even the most secure home has numerous passageways. There may be cracks and holes in the walls, slim crevices between the windows and their frames, and uninsulated spots in the attic. Take a walk inside and around the house to search for drafts. Make a note of where they are and take steps to block them. Maybe you need to weather-strip your windows or fill in cracks with caulk and similar substances that expand and block the cold winds. You can also attach sweeps to the bottoms of your doors to prevent cold air from getting in or warm air from creeping out.
Monitor the Thermostat
When adjusting the thermostat, consider raising or dropping the temperature by a degree or three. In winter, turn down the heat and create a more snuggly vibe with warm sweaters. In summer, dress cooler and raise the temp so that the AC doesn’t activate right away. Don’t leave the fan on all the time—turn on the auto feature to save money and prevent wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Change to Solar
If you have the budget, investigate adopting a solar lifestyle. Investing in solar panels can pay off in the long run and save you a lot of money. Plus, solar power is sustainable. It can cut your electricity and other bills, and you may even receive tax credits from your state. They can also increase your home’s value and decrease your carbon footprint overall!
These are four tips and tricks for cutting energy costs. Get started today on your journey toward greater sustainability and financial freedom!
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