10 Proven Techniques to Conserve Energy This Year

1. These basic pointers on how to save energy in your house can have a big effect on your bottom line. Going green isn't just great for the environment-- it can conserve you money as well. And what better time to start some excellent practices today? 1. Turn down the heat. Break out the sweaters and snuggle into that blanket. Lowering your thermostat a couple of degrees can translate to monetary savings. You can conserve as much as 1% for every single degree you lower your thermostat for eight hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 2. Change that filter. Swap out your heater filter every 3 to four months (more often if you have a big household and/or animals) and get a yearly upkeep check. Dirty furnace filters limit airflow and boost energy use. Keeping your heating system clean and effectively adjusted furnace replacement calgary will conserve up to 5% of your heating costs-- or another $10 per month, according to the California Energy Commission. 3. Ditch the second refrigerator. It may be time to finally eliminate that old refrigerator in the basement. Yes, it's a convenient place to keep cold beverages-- but Energy Star research study shows that fridges made before 1993 can include $100 a year to your electric costs. Is it worth it? 4. Lower the temp on your water heating system. The U.S. Department of Energy approximates a hot water heater set to 140ºF wastes from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses for storage water heating units, and more than $400 in losses for demand-type hot water heater (likewise referred to as tankless or rapid), which offer hot water as needed. Decreasing the temp to 120ºF should provide all the warm water you need while minimizing your energy bill, and slowing mineral accumulation and rust in your hot water heater and pipes. 5. Insulate your hot water heater. Putting an insulation blanket on your hot water heater tank, and insulating the very first 6 feet of cold and hot pipes will fume water to you quicker, states the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That indicates you'll lose less water waiting on the tap to heat up.

2. 6. Attempt cold suds. Using the cold water setting on your cleaning device can reduce its energy usage by approximately 90%, according to Energy Star. Highlight: It still gets your clothes clean. 7. Install low-flow components. Showering accounts for about 20% of family water use-- or roughly 20 gallons of water per person each day, the EPA reports. Setting up low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets can decrease water usage by 30% or more, according to the EPA. 8. Buy energy-efficient appliances. Energy Star-rated dishwashing machines and cleaning devices conserve hundreds of gallons of water per year, and use roughly a 3rd of the energy of less-efficient designs, Energy Star reports. Together they can cut your energy bill by more than $100 annually. Ask your water utility if it uses rebates to offset the expense of efficient fixtures and devices. 9. Usage Energy Star light bulbs. Isn't it time you saw the light? Energy Star-certified light bulbs utilize 70% to 90% less energy than basic bulbs, and they last 10 to 25 http://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=furnace repair times longer. 10. Fix the Drip. It may appear like nothing now, but one drop of water per second in a dripping faucet can include up to 3,000 gallons in a year-- adequate to take more than 180 showers, according to the EPA.