In today’s economy and eco-conscious world, most people are trying to save every dollar they can while saving the environment. Luckily, both go hand in hand. You can save a bundle on your energy bills and leave a more positive mark on the environment by implementing just a few energy saving habits into your life. Follow just a few of the tips below to start saving the earth and a few dollars each month.

Tracking Your Energy Usage
The first thing you need to do is conduct an energy audit. An energy audit will determine just how much energy you are using and suggest ways in which you can lower your monthly output. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to hire a professional either; Do It Yourself energy audit kits are sure to be available at a local home improvement store near you. You won’t get much feedback in ways to reduce your output if you decide to conduct your own audit, but you will have a starting measurement from which you can begin to approve upon.

Energy Saving During the Winter Months
The majority of people see substantial increases in their energy bills during winter months because they often leave the heat running all day, every day. To avoid your typical monthly increase during the winter, start implementing a few of these winter energy saving tips to keep your system running as smooth and cool as possible:

  • Clean or change your furnace filter once a month to keep it from having to run harder than it has to.
  • Have your heating system annually inspected and tuned.
  • Install a programmable thermostat and have it set itself back by ten degrees or more while you’re asleep.
  • Keep your thermostat right where you want it, putting it higher does not heat your house faster.
  • Do not use space heaters unless absolutely necessary.
  • Do not cover radiators.
  • If you leave for vacation, set your thermostat to fifty-five degrees while you’re gone.
  • If you’re using a fireplace then set your thermostat to fifty-five degrees.
  • Install more attic insulation if you use less than ten to twelve inches.
  • Be sure to get insulation you can afford with the highest R-value possible.

Energy Saving During the Summer Months
If you’re a lover of warm weather then you probably don’t use your air conditioning much during the summer. However, people who try to beat the heat by staying indoors often run up their energy bill just as much in the winter months during the summer. There are a few tips below that are sure to keep you from spending too much money whilst keeping cool:

  • Plant trees. The extra shade can save you up to twenty-five percent on your average cooling costs if placed strategically.
  • Use ceiling fans instead of your air conditioning when you can.
  • Set the fan on your AC to on rather than auto.
  • When you go to sleep have your thermostat rise to seventy-eight degrees or higher.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Seal the edges of doors and windows not in use. Don’t seal them permanently, just for the time being.
  • Check your house for air leaks.
  • Apply reflective window film to all your windows.
  • Make sure any window air conditioners are the appropriate size.
  • If you can’t implement a central air conditioning system, try installing a whole-house attic fan.
  • Start using alternative energy sources like solar energy.

Also…
There have been numerous improvements to most common household appliances in the last few years to make them all more energy efficient. Replace your older appliances with models that have energy saving functions you can make use of. Also, make sure you replace all your incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs, also known as CFLs, to use seventy-five less energy when light a room and drastically cut down on your carbon dioxide emissions. Follow all the aforementioned tips and you’re sure to save yourself hundreds a year in energy costs.

Mirsad Hasic

Mirsad Hasic

I am a truly soccer fan who also like to spend time with internet marketing. I run the website Think Credit Cards