Updating your home to be more energy-efficient doesn't have to be a lengthy, costly process! Here are our five simple ways to make your home more energy efficient!
1. Check your faucets for leaks. A leak left unattended can cost you big time on your water bill. Too often we don’t even realize that there is a leak until it’s too late, and often months have passed with increased water bills.
2. Install a programmable thermostat. Whether you go with a basic unit or one of the new fancy thermostats that program itself based on your actions, a programmable thermostat will not only save you money but will keep your home much more comfortable. Depending on your eligibility, some of the local energy companies will give you a free programmable thermostat!
3. Wash your laundry in cold water. Your clothes will be just as clean, but you’ll save a ton of energy that is wasted just to heat the water.
4. Swap out light bulbs. I bet if you take a look around your house you will find that you still have some old incandescent bulbs stealing energy. Swap those old bulbs out for new LED and CFL bulbs. These bulbs use as little as 1/10 of the energy of the old bulbs and put as just as much (or more) light. Local energy companies like Duke Energy will provide FREE LED lightbulbs as part of their Neighborhood Energy Saver programs.
5. Caulk leaky windows. Did you know you are losing a ton of energy to leaky windows (even if they are new)? Those little cracks can equate to having a window (or even two) open as wide as they will go.