How To Reduce Energy Costs

by TaylorDoorCo on December 29, 2013


Most people will attribute their rising energy costs to leaving unnecessary lights on for long periods of time. As it turns out, those lightbulbs account for a small fraction of household energy costs. The biggest culprits are those that consume a large amount of energy, such as fridges, pools and water pumps, and dryers. All appliances do cost energy, both big and small, so here are some energy-saving tips to cut costs.

  1. Unplug whatever isn’t being used - Most small household appliances use between 3 and 4 watts of electricity when not being used. This is a minor usage, but put all the appliances in your house together and the costs can really add up. Most people will leave a charger plugged in, even when its not in use. Chargers continue to use electricity even when not charging.

  1. Use energy-saving lightbulbs - While the initial cost of energy-saving bulbs may be higher than regular ones, energy-saving tend to last longer and use much less energy. Buying the “warm white” color will help produce a more natural light rather than looking like the waiting room for a dentist office.

  1. Adjust your thermostat - For every additional degree you cool your house, your air conditioner used 5% more electricity. Buying a programmable thermostat allows you to set times of day when you don’t need to cool your house, like when at work or while sleeping.

  1. Use less (and cooler) water when washing - Using the warm or cold settings on your washing machine will handle almost any job. By not using the hot setting and less water, you can cut up to 85% of the energy needed to clean clothes.

  1. Don’t overload washing machines - Whether its the dishwasher or washing machine, overloading makes your machine work harder. Also remember to follow detergent directions carefully.

  1. Use a dryer consecutively - Dryers are one of the worst energy consumers. When drying your clothes, dry clothes in consecutive loads. This keeps the dryer warm, reducing initial energy consumption.

  1. Bake more than one item at a time - When different recipes call for different temperatures, go with something in the middle. You can adjust cooking times accordingly and also means not having to run your oven for as long.

These simple steps can help you save money on your energy costs. For additional savings, having the right door and door sweep can help increase your savings! Learn how Taylor Door Co. can help you save today. Call us at 1-800-NEW-DOOR.

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