Moving is not cheap and neither is being a homeowner. Finding ways to cut back on costs in your home can be challenging but is a great way to keep some money in your pocket. If you have just completed a move to a new home, the first thing you want to do is try to save some money anyway you can. Why not start with making your home more energy efficient? Our Sarasota local movers can help by telling you what you need to know.
The US Department of Energy estimates that the aver American family spends at least $2,200 per year on their utilities.1 It is no wonder more people are looking to make their home more energy efficient with statistics like that! There are lots of ways to lower the cost of your utilities if you are thinking of making your home energy efficient. Our Sarasota movers have a list of ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Try to Wash Your Dishes by HandWashing your dishes by hand instead of running the dishwasher every time is a great step toward making your home energy efficient. The wash and dry cycle on a dishwasher use a lot of energy, no matter the size of the load. Instead, fill the sink with water and dish soap and wash your dishes by hand.
Keep Your Air Filters Changed Regularly Keeping your air filters changed every month to two months is another great way of making your home energy efficient.If you have your A/C running more months out the year than others, you will want to change the filter more often in those months. Not changing your air filters regularly affects how hard your A/C must work to cool your home and affects the quality of air you are breathing in.
Turn the Lights Off When They're Not in Use
Making your home energy efficient means saving energy use where you can. One easy step to take toward this change is to turn off the lights when you leave a room and to turn off electronics that are not in use.
Adjust the Temperature of Your Water Heater Keeping the temperature of your water heater low is also a way of making your home energy efficient as the water heater in a home is one of the main sources of energy use. Though manufactures of water heaters will recommend that you leave them on the higher temperatures, there is really no need to do so for heating the water in your home. Running your water heater at too high of a temperature can also cause a lot of mineral build up and corrosion in your water heater pipes.
Shorten Your Shower timeTaking shorter shower will help with making your home energy efficient as well. Shortening the time you spend in the shower is not only beneficial for the environment but it will also make your water bill nicer to open! If you are finding that lessening the time you spend in the shower is too hard, then you can start by turning the water off while soaping and then turning it back on to rinse off.
Close Windows and Curtains During the Day Our Sarasota residential movers recommend keeping your blinds closed during the day, especially during the summer months, as the heat from outside can cause your A/C to work harder than it needs to. Keeping your windows and blinds closed can help with keeping your home cool.
Other ways of making your home energy efficient include only washing full loads of laundry, using power strips to plug in electronics, and to invest in Energy Star Appliances. When you are ready to move into your energy efficient Sarasota home, contact All My Sons Moving & Storage and let us take care of the heavy lifting for you.
Sources:
1. Energy Saver