Chris O'Shea
Trying to find some wiggle room in your budget so that you can pad your savings? Look no further than the inside of your home. We’re not talking about a huge upgrade to a HVAC system. There are plenty of small changes you can make to your home that will make it more energy efficient, and thus save you some cash. Check out some of the changes you should make below.
Better Bulbs
According to a recent study from the Energy Information Administration, 70 percent of American homes have at least one incandescent light bulb in use. This, despite the advancements made via the LED bulbs that have gained in popularity. According to USA Today, LED bulbs consume about 75 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Switching just five regular bulbs to LED bulbs can save you about $35 per year. Now consider that the average home has anywhere from 30 to 60 bulbs, and you can see why it’s time to make the switch to LED.
Smarter Plugs
You likely plug your phone in at night and leave it that way while you sleep. Well, even when your phone is fully charged, it continues drawing energy. That energy costs money. Consider installing smart outlets in your home to stop this wastefulness. A smart outlet only allows a plugged in device to use energy when it needs it.
Fantastic Fans
Try installing smart fans to help keep your energy costs low. These fans connect to your smart thermostat and automatically change their speed and/or direction according to the temperature in the room. These fans can save you between $140 and $250 per year, depending on the size of your home.
