When you’re trying to reduce energy use and save money, lots of little tweaks around the house can add up to big savings. Each room offers a chance to improve the energy efficiency of your whole home. Here are some small modifications you can make to reduce energy use, room by room.
Attic
In many homes, attic insulation is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to reduce your energy use year-round. Check energystar.gov/saveathome to see how much insulation is right for your climate.
Home Office
Plug all cellphone and laptop chargers, printers, and gaming consoles into a power strip with an on/off switch. When not in use, turn the power strip off to eliminate those energy vampires. Open the blinds on sunny days so that you don’t need to turn on additional lights.
Bedroom
Ceiling fans can help save energy year-round. In the summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. In the winter, fans should rotate clockwise to help draw cool air up toward the ceiling and push the warm air that naturally rises down to you and your family. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when the room is unoccupied.
Bathroom
Cutting hot water use lowers your electric and water bills. Try taking short showers instead of baths, installing low-flow fixtures and not letting the water run unnecessarily. Also be sure to fix any leaks.
Use faucet aerators on sinks. These affordable devices mix air with water, which creates a consistent stream that uses less water.
Living Room
Smart thermostats learn how you and your family live and automatically adjust the temperature settings based on your lifestyle. This keeps you comfortable while saving money.
When possible, use task lighting instead of overhead lighting. Targeted lighting from a lamp lets you accomplish a task, such as reading, without using the energy needed to light the whole room.
Closets and Hallways
Add sensors that automatically turn lights off when a room is empty so that lights aren’t left on for hours accidentally.
Kitchen
On the stove, make sure your burner isn’t bigger than the pan, and use flat-bottomed pans to maximize surface contact with the burner. Don’t preheat the oven until you’re ready to use it. Minimize the number of times you open and close the refrigerator or oven door. When it’s time to upgrade appliances, choose Energy Star-certified products.
Laundry Room
When it comes to laundry, timing is important. Try to run the washer and dryer in off-peak periods, when fewer people are using electricity. Wash clothes in cold water when possible, and always clean out the dryer lint trap.
