Ten Simple Methods to Save Money on Appliances Annually

1. These simple suggestions on how to save energy in your home can have a huge effect on your bottom line. Going green isn't simply helpful for the environment-- it can save you money too. And what better time to begin some good practices today? 1. Deny the heat. Break out the sweaters and snuggle into that blanket. Lowering your thermostat a few degrees can translate to financial cost 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 furnace filter every 3 to 4 months (more frequently if you have a big family and/or animals) and get an annual maintenance check. Unclean heating system filters restrict air flow and boost energy usage. Keeping your heating system clean and effectively adjusted will save approximately 5% of your heating costs-- or another $10 per month, according to the California Energy Commission. 3. Ditch the 2nd fridge. It might be time to lastly get rid of that old fridge in the basement. Yes, it's a convenient location to keep cold beverages-- but Energy Star research study reveals that fridges made prior to 1993 can include $100 a year to your electrical expense. Is it worth it? 4. Lower the temperature on your water heating unit. 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 heaters, and more than $400 in losses for demand-type water heaters (also known as tankless or instantaneous), which supply warm water as required. Lowering the temp to 120ºF should offer all the warm water you need while reducing your energy costs, 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 first 6 feet of cold and hot water pipes will get hot water to you quicker, states the Environmental Defense Agency (EPA). That implies you'll squander less water waiting on duct cleaning calgary the tap to warm up. 6. Attempt cold suds. Utilizing the cold water setting on your cleaning machine can lower its energy usage by up to 90%, according to Energy Star. Finest part: It still gets your clothing tidy.

2. 7. Set up low-flow components. Showering accounts for about 20% of home 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 consumption by 30% or more, according to the EPA. 8. Buy energy-efficient devices. Energy Star-rated dishwashing machines and cleaning devices save hundreds of gallons of water per year, and utilize approximately a 3rd of the energy of less-efficient designs, Energy Star reports. Together they can cut your energy expense by more than $100 per year. Ask your water utility if it provides rebates to offset the expense of efficient components and home appliances. 9. Use Energy Star light bulbs. Isn't it time you saw the light? Energy Star-certified light bulbs use 70% to 90% less energy than basic bulbs, and they last 10 to 25 times longer. 10. Fix the Drip. It may appear like nothing now, however one drop of water per second in a leaky faucet can amount to 3,000 gallons in a year-- enough to take more than 180 showers, according to the EPA.