Who needs to learn to save energy at home? I do! Don’t you? This blog’s purpose is to help moms go from stressed to blessed, and let me tell you that high bills make me so stressed!

When we realized how much money we were spending on our electricity bill (or hydro as we call here in Canada) every month, we knew we had to do something about it and it had to start with changing some bad habits. And as we have been on a debt-free journey, thus, learning to save energy and money, it’s important to us.

Not only that, but we need to pass on some good saving habits to our children to. So, they will also be wise about their energy consumption and not waste money.

***This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.***

Today, Joanne from SERVIZ, has some pretty good tips to share with us in this sponsored post.

Who hasn’t had someone yell at them about not shutting the door or turning off lights? When you were younger, you thought all the old people were crazy, but now that the adulting is up to you, it all makes sense. Let’s come up with some ways to ease the burden of reality with some tips on how to keep more of your money.

10 Hacks to Save Energy at Home

#1 – Save Energy by Keeping the Air You’re Paying For.

It’s expensive to keep the air in your home a comfortable temperature. You certainly don’t want to cool or heat the entire neighborhood. Check your insulation. Make sure there is enough padding there to keep your air inside. Weatherize your home by sealing windows, doors, and vents to eliminate drafts.

#2 – Save Energy by Installing a Programmable Thermostat.

Utility companies recommend you set the thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer. For winter months, you should set it at 68 degrees in the daytime and 55 degrees at night (I was going to suggest this later, but since we’re here now, using more blankets is a great way to conserve energy). Put a code on it so the kids can’t change it whenever they want and defeat the purpose of having one. They do things like that.

#3 – Save Energy by Getting Help from Your Ceiling Fan.

Here’s a tip that might help you keep the temperature comfortable. Change the direction the ceiling fan rotates. There should be a small switch near the blades. In the summertime, have the fan running counter-clockwise to push air down and cool you off. In the winter, reverse it, so it’s running clockwise. It drives the air up and forces the warm air near the ceiling down, keeping it warmer.

#4 – Save Energy by Investing in Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Yes, they are a little more expensive, but they last for ten years. They pay for themselves. It’s a quick and easy way to lower your electric bill without having to think about it. The newest editions of the CFL bulbs have advanced to include a more natural luminosity. You could take it a step further and have motion sensor lights in every room and never remind someone to turn the lights off again. It could be worth it.

#5 – Save Energy by Adjusting Your Appliances.

• Washing machine – use cold water and combine loads to cut back on loads of laundry.
• Dishwasher – reduce loads by washing some by hand and making sure all loads are full.
• Water heater – lower the temperature and get an insulating wrap.
• Refrigerator – keep it between “cool” and “cooler,” about a quarter turn in. Decrease the temperature by small degrees if food isn’t keeping cool enough.

#6 – Save Energy by An Upgrade and An Investment.

If you’re planning on getting some remodeling or repairs done, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR certified products. It’s a program that confirms the item or building meets energy-saving standards. Some things are appliances including water heaters, air conditioners, windows, and so much more. For a complete list, visit the ENERGY STAR website.

#7 – Save Energy by Using the Oven Less.

Cook several days’ worth of meals at one time, then use the microwave or convection oven to heat it up. There are no downsides to this. You cook once, clean once, use the oven less and save more money. What’s not to like?

#8 – Save Energy by Investing in a Good HVAC System.

Another expense that pays off in the end. Having one that is not working well or too small for the square footage can cost you big time! Mine was too small for the size of my house and it ran CONSTANTLY. On top of that, we were still hot. A good HVAC system makes all the difference.

#9 – You Say HVAC, I Say Filters.

You can’t have an HVAC system with a clogged filter. Even if you have the best system, it will not give you peak performance if it’s dirty. Change it every three months. A dirty filter can eventually make your whole system seize. Besides that, if the filter is dirty and can’t catch any more air particles, then that is what you’re breathing.

#10 – Small Changes Make a Big Difference.

There are little things that can be done to conserve energy. Use power strips to plug in multiple electronics or appliances and use the “off” switch to turn them all off at once when not in use. How much water goes down the drain when we shower? Install a water-saving shower head with a low flow rate to reduce it.

About Joanne Aubuchon

Joanne is a writer by day and reader by night. Joanne loves writing about saving money, raising kids and improving the quality of our lives. When she is not writing, you can find her trying out new salad recipes, playing ball with her kids, or cheering in the stands at her son’s soccer games. Joanne is a resident writer for SERVIZ, an on-demand home services company offering everything from Plumbing repairs to Carpet Cleaning across the US.

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About Ana Willis

Ana is the unhurried homeschool mom of 3, wife, and homeschool blogger. She loves to encourage, inspire and empower moms to go from stressed to blessed by providing them with the tips, strategies, and resources they need to succeed. Ana is the founder of They Call Me Blessed and the creator of: Hebrew for Homeschoolers, Charlotte Mason Online Conference, The Homeschool Sisterhood, and the Beyond Blessed Life Planner. She leads a vibrant free community for homeschool moms on Facebook and you can connect with her at www.facebook.com/theycallmeblessedblog.