New year – new us! Well, if we’re being honest, maybe not. After all, about 80% of new year’s resolutions fail. But, this year, I’m going to give you a resolution you can keep – saving energy and money. All you have to do is commit to the following tips, and your new year can be a success.
Replace your HVAC filter monthly – Set yourself a reminder monthly to change out your filters. Once they become clogged by the pollutants they’re designed to filter, the air has a harder time making it through. This makes your entire system work much less efficiently, shortening its life and costing you extra on your monthly energy bills.
Use your ceiling fan – correctly! – If you have a ceiling fan, it’s important to use it the right way. In the cooler months, be sure to run the fan in a clockwise motion at a low speed. This helps push the warm air that’s close to the ceiling back down to where you are. In the warmer months, set it counterclockwise and speed it up for a cool and inexpensive breeze.
Think about upgrading an older appliance – Have you been spending more time at home with some of those older appliances and thinking about making an upgrade? Whether one has broken down or you’re just ready for something new, make sure you choose one with an ENERGY STAR® label. They consume much less energy than standard models and can save you money over their lifetime. Also, we can help you out with some rebates !
Get a smarter power strip – Many appliances and electronic devices use power even when they aren’t turned on. This is called vampire or standby power. It’s a good idea to unplug anything you aren’t using to prevent this draw of electricity, but that can be somewhat of a hassle. A great option is to use a smart power strip. Unlike your average power strip, these can actually detect when your devices are in standby mode and cut off the power, saving you energy and money.
These are but a few simple tips for saving. If you’re looking for more, we’re always here to help with a list of energy efficiency tips .
Looking for more ways to save? Check out our new EmpowerSC initiative! It’s a collection of dynamic programs that will help you take advantage of the latest technology trends and innovations while saving energy and money. So, if you want to take your savings game to the next level, visit www.empowersc.com and get your new year started off right today!