Save Money with Energy Efficient New Year’s Resolutions

Come January, many of us are ready for a fresh start. Maybe we have just stepped on the scale after a month of holiday parties and treats, or our December credit card and utility bills have arrived and are making us wince. The new year is a time for new beginnings and resolutions. If you want to tighten up your finances this year, try making energy-efficient changes in your home to help you save money. Check out these energy-efficient New Year’s Resolutions for inspiration.

Turn the Lights Off

Your parents’ voices asking you to turn the lights off are still ringing in your ears. But they were right. This year, try to turn them off when you leave a room. According to Energy.gov, “Lighting makes up about 10% of home energy costs.”  Therefore, it’s vital to make an effort to turn them off when not in use.

If you haven’t already done so, switch from incandescent light bulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) or LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Both kinds of lightbulbs offer energy and money savings, but LEDs have a longer life span and are more energy-efficient.

Be Aware of Vampire Power

Vampire power refers to the energy still used by specific electronic devices when plugged into the outlet, even if they are not turned on. For example, did you know: “Over time, many microwaves and televisions consume more electricity during the hours they’re not in use than the times you’re using them…?” (Source: HowStuffWorks). Here are a few standard devices that can waste your energy and money from vampire power:  TVs, computers, things with a clock on them, cable boxes, and DVD players.

Make it one of your energy-efficient New Year’s resolutions this year to turn off these devices when they are not in use.

Take Shorter Showers

This one probably isn’t news to you, but this year, actually try to do it. Home Water Works suggests a shower time of 5 minutes or less to save water. Try setting a timer the next time you are in the shower and see how close you can get to that 5-minute mark.

You can also install a low-flow showerhead to help your water usage and lower your water bills this year.

Turn Down the Thermostat

It is cold outside, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to feel like a tropical island inside. Turn down the thermostat a few degrees and throw on an extra layer. Once you see your utility bills, it will seem worth it. Energy.gov recommends a daytime setting of 68 degrees and lowering it even more at night.

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is an easy way to make these adjustments without the inconvenience of remembering to change your thermostat throughout the day.

Here’s to a new year and energy-efficient New Year’s Resolutions! If you want to learn more about saving energy this year, contact FLAME!