It’s safe to assume that cutting down on energy costs is likely something we all have an interest in. Unfortunately, folks either believe that the only ways to save energy are overwhelming, time-consuming projects or that they require hefty out-of-pocket funds. Here you will find five of the best low-cost and simple DIY energy-saving projects that you can complete in a weekend!
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Lowering your water heater temperature by 10 degrees can also lower your energy costs by up to 5 percent! Regardless of how much hot water you use, your water heater is designed to maintain the water inside its tank at whatever temperature you have it set for 24 hours a day. So, while it doesn’t seem like a lot, it is most definitely a start. Learn how to adjust the water heater temperature to be sure you’re doing it safely and efficiently.
Change Your Lightbulbs to LED
Image via Flickr by D Coetzee
Simply installing LED lightbulbs can cut your energy usage by an average five times. A standard 60-watt bulb produces the same amount of light as a 13-watt LED bulb. This will lower your watt usage by 47 watts per hour, and that’s just one bulb! Service all your light fixtures in this way and watch your energy costs steadily decrease. Another perk to this hack is efficiency comparison. LED bulbs have a significantly longer life expectancy than standard bulbs.
Seal Window Frames With Caulk
Older windows can most certainly contribute to energy loss in your home. An easy way to resolve this issue is by using caulk to fill in the gaps around your windows and your door casings. Doing this will help to seal off any air leaks that may be causing energy loss, forcing your HVAC system to run more than necessary. Caulk is available at your local hardware stores and is reasonably inexpensive. With a little research, you’ll learn how to caulk like a pro in no time!
Change the Air Filters in Your HVAC System
Changing the filter in your home’s heating and air-conditioning system is important for a couple of reasons. One is air quality in your home, but also, a dirty filter can drastically affect the efficiency of the HVAC system. A dirty air filter decreases the flow of air through the system, forcing it to work harder and for longer than it would with a clean filter.
Landscaping
Landscaping is an easy way to save bucks on your energy bill, and there are a number of ways to do so. Creating shade on the sunniest side of your home by planting trees not only will help deflect heat in the summer; it will help to block out the wind in the colder months.
While there are many simple and inexpensive DIY projects to help you become more energy efficient, these five are a great start and surefire ways to decrease your energy consumption — all while creating a cleaner and more comfortable atmosphere in your home!