Becoming energy-efficient is easier than you think! Use these handy hints to get started, and watch your energy savings rise as your energy costs drop.

Practice Energy-Saving Habits

Oftentimes, the thought of becoming more energy-efficient can feel overwhelming, but the truth is, simply replacing old habits with new ones can make quite a difference. Start being more mindful about the ways in which you use energy in your home by making small lifestyle changes and alterations to your daily practices. Doing so can reduce the energy you use and lower your energy costs. For instance,

• Only use your air conditioner when you really need it.
• Keep curtains drawn during the day to keep your home cooler in the warmer months.
• Keep your curtains open to let the sun help heat your home during the cooler months.
• Turn off appliances when you’re not using them.
• Unplug unused electronics when you’re not using them (including phone chargers).
• Take shorter or less-frequent showers, and use cooler water.
• Use the grill or smoker when you can, rather than the oven or stove.
• Air dry your clothing or hang them in the sun to dry instead of using the dryer.

Replace Old Appliances Over Time

Let’s face it — buying all new appliances is costly, but a wise investment all the same. Sometimes, however, it’s easier to say, “Replace all of your appliances with energy-efficient appliances,” than it is to actually do it. When you don’t have the extra cash on-hand to replace all of your outdated appliances with Energy Star-certified appliances, consider replacing them gradually over time. 

 

To do this, set a budget that will allow you to replace different appliances over the course of the year, maybe even quarterly, depending on how many appliances need to be replaced. Start with the appliances you use the most or the ones that are the most outdated. You can even take advantage of handy tools that tell you which appliances are using the most energy to help you determine where you should start. Then work your way through your list, and by the holidays, you’ll be enjoying a multitude of savings!  

Replace Your Light Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to save energy and money is to replace your light bulbs. This can be done relatively quickly and within just about any budget. Incandescent light bulbs use a lot more energy and need to be replaced frequently, which is a double-whammy when it comes to what it costs to light your home with these bad boys. On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that energy-efficient bulbs use anywhere between 25-80% less energy and can last as much as 35 times longer than traditional incandescents. 

 

That said, you have options when it comes to purchasing energy-efficient bulbs. From halogen incandescents to LED bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps, each offers numerous advantages. Not only that, you can buy them in bulk to save a few extra bucks. Again, if you can’t replace them all at once, start with the five most-used light sources in your home and work your way through your home until you’ve replaced them all. And don’t forget your outdoor lighting, too! 

Be Mindful of Energy Use In Every Room

One of the most effective ways to cut down on your energy usage is to practice room-to-room energy mindfulness. Being more aware of which lights, electronics, and appliances you leave on when you exit a room is a great way to practice better habits and save more energy.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the home’s biggest energy suckers. Here are a few ways to save energy in everyone’s favorite room of their home:

• Don’t leave the refrigerator door open.
• Set your dishwasher to an unheated dry setting.
• Unplug your coffee maker, toaster, and toaster oven when you’re not using them.
• Install energy-efficient bulbs in all the light fixtures.

In the Laundry Room

Make your laundry room more energy-efficient by:

• Regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap and removing lint buildup from the vent.
• Washing your laundry in cold water.
• Blocking vents when it’s cold to keep the warmth in and the cold out (just don’t forget to remove the vent block when you run your dyer!).

In the Bedroom

Make your sleepy time sanctuary an energy-efficient space with these tips:

• Turn off the lights when you exit the room.
• Unplug unused appliances and chargers when they’re not in use.
• Use LED candles for mood lighting instead of keeping your lamps on.
• Close closet doors to keep the room warmer.   

Install a Programmable Thermostat

If there is one thing that is certain, it’s that heating and cooling your home accounts for almost half of your home’s utility costs. Conserve energy and save money by installing a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature. You can set your thermostat according to your lifestyle so that it turns on and off when you need it to, which can put an end to wasting energy on a daily basis. Not only will you save energy, but you will likely see a nice drop in your utility bill each month, which can add up to big annual savings. 

Invest In a Home Solar Power System

If you want to get the most out of your home’s energy usage and reduce utility costs all at once, you ought to consider installing residential solar panels to power your Northern California home. Solar is one of the best ways to power your home for many reasons. Along with helping to reduce your carbon footprint, you can also enjoy both short-term and long-term savings when you make the switch to solar. Better yet, it’s an investment that will keep on giving throughout the life of your solar panels.

Get a Quote for Residential Solar Panels in California

We hope 2021 is off to a great start for you and your family, and that you will find these tips helpful in making your home energy-efficient and your utility costs lower this year. Get in touch with West Coast Solar today to learn more about our solar services in Sacramento, Alameda, San Joaquin, and all throughout Northern California. Simply fill out the form below to get your free quote today, and start saving tomorrow!