Did you know that the energy wasted in 75,000 homes in the United States is equivalent to the amount of energy contained in the BP Gulf oil spill, which was the largest oil spill in the history of this country? That is a lot of wasted energy. Fortunately, however, when it comes to your home, there are certain things you can do to help save energy.
Here are three simple ways to save energy in your home.
Use Cold Water When Washing Your Clothes
You may think that the warmer your water is when washing clothes, the cleaner your clothes will get. This isn't necessarily true. Technological advances in both washing machines and laundry detergent have made it possible to get your clothes nice and clean using cold water. Besides saving energy and decreasing your energy bill, it can actually be more beneficial to wash your clothes in cold water. For instance, using cold water means the color in your clothes won't fade as quickly and the elastic in your clothes will last longer.
When it comes to doing laundry some other energy saving tips include:
- Do a full load instead of just a partial one
- Clean the dryer lint after every load
- Dry light and heavy items separately
By keeping these laundry tips in mind, you'll be sure to save energy in your home.
Replace Your Doors and Windows
According to the Energy Information Administration, up to one-third of your home's heat can be lost through windows and doors. While there are some things you can do to decrease air leakage and prevent heat loss, such as caulking, weatherstripping, using drapes, and installing insulation, there are some instances when you may have to replace the door or window. This is especially true if your windows or doors are warped, broken, or damaged. Andersen replacement doors and Andersen replacement windows are a great option if you do need to replace your windows and/or doors.
Reset Your Thermostat
If there are certain times you are away from home, you can reset your thermostat to a lower temperature in order to save energy. When you set your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees for at least 8 hours a day, you can expect to pay up to 10% less on your energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat at 68 degrees F. in the winter and 78 degrees F. in the summer and then setting it back by 7 to 10 degrees when you're away.
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