DIY Tricks That Cut Energy Costs And Make Appliances Last Longer

Have you ever received the electric or heating bill in the mail and wondered, “Why is this so expensive?” Do you find your appliances quitting before they should? We’ve all been there. It’s easy to overlook small things because they’ve become a part of our daily routine…or they simply get forgotten. With that said, we’ve compiled a list of DIY tricks that will help you eliminate high energy costs and increase your appliances’ lifespan.

Use Natural Light

It may surprise you to know that you don’t need to turn on the light switch every time you enter a room. This habit can be tossed aside, so you can save energy and your lamp’s natural life. Open the shades and allow the morning light to pour into the room while you’re cleaning. Curl up with a good book by candlelight. Little tricks like this add up, and will save you a lot of money when the electric bill comes due.

Turn Electronics Off

It’s very easy to leave the TV on all night because you fell asleep during your favorite show. It’s just as easy to set a timer on your appliance, so it turns off after a certain amount of time has passed. Do you have string lights that add ambience to your home? Unplug them before you leave home or go to bed. No one will be around to enjoy them anyway, so why not save the energy and prevent the bulbs from burning out?

Use LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs can benefit your home tremendously. They last way longer than traditional bulbs and emit very little heat, so your home is safer with this choice. Depending on the brand you choose, you could save up to ninety percent of the original costs with this design. Not to mention the dimming and color choices they offer. Overall, a good trick to save on energy costs.

Seal Your Home

If your heating or cooling bill is high, then consider sealing up your home. Windows and doors are one of the main reasons your home isn’t temperature controlled. Seal up cracks and leaks, so the heat doesn’t escape during the winter months and the A/C doesn’t overwork itself in the summer season. Head down to the hardware store, grab that caulk, and get to work. You’ll be glad for the effort you put into it when you don’t have to wear wool socks on the hardwood floors during Christmas.

Wash Clothes With Cold Water

Contrary to popular belief, it IS possible to clean your clothes with cold water. Hot water takes a lot of extra energy to produce, so switching to cold water will save your wallet some heartache. Hot water also affects the washer itself. Appliances with rubber and plastic pieces can be damaged under high temperatures, and your clothes would appreciate the break, too. So, keep this in mind the next time you turn the dial to Warm Warm or even Hot Cold.

Dress For The Weather

Sometimes we’re low on cash, and sometimes that means giving up the generous adjustments on the temperature gauge. We’re not saying to freeze or overheat yourselves. But if you can, keep the temperature at an affordable rate and dress according to the weather outside. If it’s a little chilly in the house, put on a warm cardigan. If it’s hot outside, wear a tank top instead of that turtleneck. Keeping your temperature consistent will save you on energy costs, and keep the appliances from overworking themselves.

Replace Filters Regularly

It may seem like a small thing to do, but little things add up over time. Replacing your filters will save your appliances some unnecessary work. When filters are dirty, appliances tend to run longer than necessary and ramp up their settings to compensate. Set the reminders in your calendar, make an alarm, or write them on a sticky note. Small consistent efforts will be rewarded in the long run.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

It’s hard to keep track of your home’s temperature. It’s never quite right because you turned it down for the work day. And the cost is high because you decided it wasn’t worth the effort anymore. Installing a programmable thermostat will save you time and money. You can input your schedule, so the thermostat will adjust to your preferences. You don’t have to touch it. It will take care of the energy savings itself, while also keeping you comfortable.