Simple, low-cost ways to use less energy at home, most of which you can tackle yourself in an afternoon.
Whether your utility bills have been creeping up or you simply want to use less energy, small changes around the house can make a real difference. You can’t do much about a West Tennessee summer, but these simple, relatively inexpensive steps can help, and most don’t require a professional.
Switch to LED bulbs
If you haven’t already, replace any remaining incandescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use a fraction of the energy, last many times longer and give off very little heat, so they don’t add to the work your air conditioner has to do. Count up every fixture in your home, from lamps and chandeliers to bathroom vanity lights, island pendants, the garage and the porch, and the savings add up quickly.
Bonus tip: Make turning off the lights a family habit, and consider timers or motion sensors for outdoor lights and spaces that are easy to forget, like closets, laundry rooms and the garage.
Stop paying for standby power
Many electronics keep drawing power whenever they’re plugged in, even when they’re turned off. An advanced (smart) power strip automatically cuts power to devices that aren’t in use. It’s a great fit for media rooms, home offices and homework stations, where several devices are plugged in at once.
Let your thermostat do the work
Heating and cooling are usually the biggest part of a home’s energy use. A programmable or smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re asleep or away, so you save without having to remember.
- Winter: keep it comfortable while everyone is home and awake, then set it several degrees cooler overnight and while you’re out.
- Summer: set it a little warmer while you’re away, and let it bring the house back to your preferred temperature before you get home.
Seal the leaks and change the filter
Small gaps around doors and windows let conditioned air escape. Weatherstripping and a tube of caulk are inexpensive, quick fixes. While you’re at it, check your heating and air filter regularly and replace it on schedule, since a clogged filter makes your system work harder and use more energy.
Landscape for comfort
The right plantings can help cool your home naturally. In our hot, humid summers, shade trees on the west and south sides block the strongest afternoon sun, and shrubs can shade outdoor air conditioning units, as long as you leave plenty of room for airflow. Trees that lose their leaves in fall let warming winter sunlight back in, so you get shade when you want it and sun when you need it.
Small steps, real savings
Most of these projects can be done over a few weekends. Some carry a small upfront cost, but the savings on your utility bills will help them pay for themselves over time. If you have questions about your home’s systems or efficiency, we’re always glad to help.