10 Ways to Save Energy: Save Money By Reducing Energy Use

(Photo : Save Money By Reducing Energy Use)

Electricity is a modern convenience second to none. All too often, we don't even think of electricity by itself, only the appliances or devices that need it. This convenience does come with a cost, though, and to considering how to use it more efficiently might be worthwhile. Cheap electricity as a service may be available depending on where you live, but even then it pays to be efficient. Here are a few ways to reduce energy usage in your home.

Lights on, nobody home

The simplest way to be more efficient with electricity is to simply turn off electricity-consuming appliances when they're not in use. Turning off an overhead light when you leave your house, adjusting a thermostat, or turning off a computer at night are all ways to reduce energy usage that are often overlooked on a day-to-day basis.

Insulate your house properly

If a house has too little insulation, more electricity is used in controlling its temperature. Even closing up small gaps around windows and doors can make a difference.

Try more traditional methods

Some appliances can be ignored entirely, if you're willing to put in a bit of effort. Neither a hot water heater nor a dishwasher need to be used if you wash the dishes by hand. A clothing dryer can also be replaced with an open-air clothesline.

Consider smart appliances

You can find some "smart appliances" that can help reduce energy usage. Some appliances draw energy despite being turned off, resulting in what is known as "phantom power." Many smart appliances are capable of mitigating this by turning off an appliance that may be drawing phantom power.

Unplug your devices entirely

Alternatively, you could simply unplug a device when it's not in use. Power strips may make this job easier, because they effectively allow for several devices to be plugged into a single power outlet. It may require more attention and be less flashy of an approach than using a "smart" appliance, but it is certainly a more straightforward way to achieve the same result.

Update your lightbulbs

Old lightbulbs are fairly inefficient. Modern lightbulbs, including CFL or LED lightbulbs, last longer and are more efficient than the traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Bladed fans

Regular ceiling or box fans tend to use less electricity than a central cooling unit while keeping the feel of a cool room. The key strategy with using fans in tandem with traditional air conditioning is to keep the air in the house flowing throughout the house. Some homes, particularly older ones, may have a poorly designed ventilation system and restricting air flow may cause the thermostat to try to heat or cool the house when it's not needed.

Window coverings

Covering the windows may also be a good way to keep a house insulated. Blinds or drapes are useful for this, but hanging cloth such as a heavy blanket over the curtain rod of a window can also help keep your windows insulated when needed.

HVAC inspections

Heating Ventilation and Air Cooling systems, referred to as HVAC, can occasionally need repair. Getting an HVAC system inspected is a good idea if you think your central heating and cooling system is broken or underperforming.

Trees are cool

Planting trees around your home may also be a good way to increase energy efficiency. Trees lose their leaves during the winter and allow the sun to warm your home when it's needed, while also providing shade during the summer when the sun's warmth is less welcome.

Ultimately, energy use is almost unavoidable. Electricity is ubiquitous, so learning how to efficiently manage it is simply good practice.