Video: Easy Energy Efficiency Hacks for Your Home

There are loads of simple, inexpensive ways to save money on energy bills.

I think we’re all looking to save a little something around the house, whether it be energy or cash or both. There are tons of simple, inexpensive updates you can do yourself, that will greatly affect both.

It might seem obvious, but yearly servicing of heating and cooling systems is often overlooked. Servicing your systems can save you far more than the cost of a service call, and many times you can even perform efficiency checks on your own.

Ceiling fans are a bargain for both Summer and Winter. Many people don’t think to use them during heating season. Most ceiling fans can be set to move air either up or down, and during winter months can be used to push heat that naturally rises, back into your living spaces.

CFL`s and LED’s are fairly common now but if any of your lighting fixtures do still contain incandescent or halogen bulbs you’ll want to replace those before Summer heat sets in. Not only do incandescent bulbs use 70% more energy but they produce heat of their own, and halogens, which run even hotter, are a documented fire hazard.

Washing cloths in cold water has gained popularity in recent years as laundry detergents have improved and been adapted to work just as well in cold as in hot water. For tougher jobs like sanitizing your home after the flu has moved in, some laundry detergents contain a disinfectant and are also suitable for cold water wash.

Check out other quick and easy tips in the video.

Video: Easy Energy Efficiency Hacks for Your Home

For your convenience we’ve placed a transcript directly below this video.

Video Transcript: Easy Energy Efficiency Hacks for Your Home

Welcome to Today’s Home Update, I’m Kelly.

These days it seems everyone is improving their efforts to be more sustainable.

Here’s some easy steps you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your home and save some big bucks.

Begin by focusing on the small cracks and crevices around doors and windows. According to Lowe’s, a one eighth inch width space between a standard exterior door and its threshold is equivalent to a two square inch hole in the wall. Close those gaps to save up to 15 percent in heating and cooling costs.

Next, lower your water heater’s thermostat setting. Less heat means less fuel. While you’re at it blanket or insulate the water heater to reduce the amount of heat lost by the unit, particularly if it’s located in an unheated area. Also be sure to insulate water pipes to prevent heat loss that can cause your water heater to work harder.

Don’t forget to change furnace filters to prevent reduced air flow through the heating and cooling system, and overheating that can lead to compressor damage in the A/C system.

Finally, install water saving shower heads, and a water saving toilet to use less water and see more savings.

Thanks for watching, see you next time.