Saving Energy and Your Appliances
Every household has a significant electricity consumption and spends a considerable amount on energy bills. Adopting a few practices can help energy savings at home. Saving energy is a great way to make a home energy-efficient, protect the environment, and save money. Cutting energy use for a household reduces electricity and water usage, preventing energy loss. Savings can be optimized by choosing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.
Here are some simple ways that can cut down energy costs and help keep the planet healthy:
Behavioral changes
The simplest and easiest way to conserve energy is by making simple adjustments to everyday behavior. Make sure that the TV, computer, lights, electronics, fans, gadgets, and even water heaters are switched off when not in use. Many appliances and electronics use energy even when they are not on, referred to as the phantom load. It happens when electronics are plugged in and not in use or are not turned off. Remember to unplug the appliances when not in use. Don’t use big appliances for small cooking jobs, take short showers, reuse kitchen water, use the washing machine and dishwasher responsibly, wash lightly dirty clothes with cold water instead of hot, hang the clothes outside to dry in place of using a dryer, use rechargeable batteries, recycle whenever possible to reduce energy. Consciously adopting these small habits can help save a significant amount of energy.
Buy energy-efficient appliances
A homeowner who is still using appliances that are seven to ten years old should consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient ones. Older appliances use a lot of energy than modern ones. Upgrade appliances like the refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, air conditioner, and dehumidifiers to energy star rating appliances that use lesser energy. Replace the old tank-style water heater to a tankless on-demand heater for energy savings.
Performing the small maintenance that some appliances require will save a homeowner energy and headaches. We know of one woman who couldn’t use her almost-new washer for a week! She finally got down on the floor (To hug it? Pray over it? Set it on fire? We aren’t sure.) That was when she noticed the sticker that said it has a filter that needs to be cleaned now and then. If only she had hired us to install it!
Replace the light bulbs
Changing light bulbs is a quick and easy way to save energy. Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy and need frequent replacements. Switch to energy-efficient LEDs to reduce energy use on lighting by up to 75%. LEDs are affordable, stylish, and last longer.
Insulate and seal
A well-insulated home reduces spending on heating and cooling. In most homes, windows are a big reason for energy loss. Upgrade single-pane windows to energy-efficient double or triple-paned ones.
Some of the most common sources of leaks in the house are doors, windows, and vents. Sealing all the leaks around the house using caulk or foam is the best way to minimize energy loss.
Some other ways to save on home energy are:
Use a programmable thermostat
Use solar-powered devices
Use fans
Put your water heater on a timer
Use the low water feature on appliances
Use motion-sensor lights
Seal leaky ducts
Use smart meters
Upgrade the HVAC system
Saving energy is essential for more reasons than one. Both you and your appliances will thank you! Taking small steps can help lead a more energy-efficient lifestyle as well as reducing energy bills.
Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years of experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!