10 Simple Ways to Save Money on Appliances This Year

1. These basic pointers on how to conserve energy in your home can have a huge effect on your bottom line. Going green isn't just good for the environment-- it can save you money too. And what better time to begin some good practices right now? 1. Decline the heat. Break out the sweaters and snuggle into that blanket. Reducing your thermostat a few degrees can translate to financial savings. You can save as much as 1% for each 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 frequently if you have a large home and/or pets) and get a yearly upkeep check. Unclean heater filters heating and cooling calgary limit air flow and increase energy usage. Keeping your heating system clean and effectively adjusted will conserve approximately 5% of your heating expenses-- or another $10 each month, according to the California Energy Commission. 3. Ditch the 2nd refrigerator. It might be time to lastly eliminate that old fridge in the basement. Yes, it's a convenient place to keep cold beverages-- but Energy Star research shows that refrigerators made before 1993 can include $100 a year to your electrical bill. Is it worth it? 4. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a water heater set to 140ºF wastes from $36 to $61 each year in standby heat losses for storage water heaters, and more than $400 in losses for demand-type hot water heater (also referred to as tankless or instantaneous), which offer warm water as needed. Lowering the temperature to 120ºF must offer all the warm water you require while decreasing your energy costs, and slowing mineral accumulation and rust in your water heating unit and pipelines. 5. Insulate your water heating system. Putting an insulation blanket on your hot water heater tank, and insulating the first 6 feet of cold and hot water pipes will fume water to you quicker, states the Epa (EPA). That implies you'll squander less water waiting for the tap to heat up. 6. Try cold suds. Utilizing the cold water setting on your washing device can reduce its energy use by as much as 90%, according to Energy Star. Finest part: It still gets your clothing tidy.

2. 7. Install low-flow fixtures. Showering accounts for about 20% of family water usage-- or roughly 20 gallons of water per person each day, the EPA reports. Installing low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets can reduce water usage by 30% or more, according to the EPA. 8. Purchase energy-efficient devices. Energy Star-rated dishwashers and washing makers 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 expense by more than $100 each year. Ask your water energy if it offers refunds to balance out the cost of efficient components and appliances. 9. Usage Energy Star light bulbs. Isn't it time you saw the light? Energy Star-certified light bulbs use 70% to 90% less energy than standard bulbs, and they last 10 to 25 times longer. 10. Fix the Drip. It may look like nothing now, however one drop of water per second in a leaking faucet can amount to 3,000 gallons in a year-- enough to take more than 180 showers, according to the EPA.