Spring is a time of renewal and reawakening, and there’s no better time to refresh your commitment to saving energy around the house. In addition to being good for the planet, conserving energy can help you save money on utility and other related household expenses. Here are some smart energy saving tips to share with clients or to use in your own home this spring:
- Install a programmable thermostat. Probably the best step you can take to reduce energy costs this spring and all year long is to install a programmable thermostat for your heating and cooling system. These devices enable you to control the temperature of your home to correspond with your household’s schedule and the times when people are present. This helps decrease energy use when you are gone and increase comfort when you are home. Some programmable thermostats with WiFi connectivity even enable you to control the thermostat remotely by smartphone, giving you the option to change the settings when you’re away. According to ENERGY STAR, a programmable thermostat can save an estimated $180 a year.
- Maintain your air conditioning system. Change or clean the system’s filters, per manufacturer’s recommendations, which can lower your system’s energy consumption significantly and give you cleaner air to breathe. Have your cooling system inspected and serviced before summer heat sets in. Receive from 30% to 50% off retail prices on A/C and furnace filters by visiting discountfilterprogram.com
- Change your lighting. Replace conventional light bulbs with longer-lasting LED bulbs. During daylight hours, open your curtains or blinds to let natural light illuminate your home instead of flipping the light switch.
- Upgrade appliances. Older appliances are often less energy efficient than newer models. If your refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, dryer, oven, water heater, or HVAC system is more than 10 to 15 years old or isn’t functioning as well as it could, you might consider replacing the item with a newer, more energy efficient version. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when you shop. If you are a HSA home warranty customer, you can receive exclusive discounts on brand-name appliances with the Appliance Discount Program.
- Seal your home. One of the most inexpensive ways to help save money on utilities is to make sure that air isn’t leaking out of (and into) your home. Inspect your structure, roof, foundation, masonry, ducts, and exterior walls for cracks, holes, and crevices that could be compromising air tightness and making your HVAC system work harder. Sealing these openings with caulk can help save on energy costs as well as help reduce moisture and improve your home’s air quality.
- Reduce water use. Wait until you have full loads to run the dishwasher or washing machine. Utilize the economy or energy-saving drying features on dishwashers and clothes dryers. Take shorter showers, and turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Fix any household leaks right away. Only water your lawn and landscape when there hasn’t been adequate rain, and avoid over watering when you do.
- Conserve your own energy. Invest in an HSASM Home Warranty and you won’t have to waste your energy and valuable time searching for a qualified repair professional for covered mechanical and appliance failures. For more information about HSA Home Warranties, visit onlinehsa.com or call 1-800-367-1448.