• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Munofore
  • Crafts
  • Gardening
  • Self Care
  • Home
  • Humor
  • Blogging
  • Random Thoughts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Crafts
  • Gardening
  • Self Care
  • Home
  • Humor
  • Blogging
  • Random Thoughts
  • follow the fun

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Crafts
    • Gardening
    • Self Care
    • Home
    • Humor
    • Blogging
    • Random Thoughts
  • follow the fun

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Munofore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program. This site contains affiliate links to various websites, including Amazon.com. Purchases through these links help support this blog at no additional cost to you. read more

    10 Easy Ways to Conserve Energy and Save Money!

    Apr 3, 2019 · Leave a Comment

    Whether you are interested in saving the planet, reducing our dependence on foreign oil or just saving yourself some money there are a few simple things to conserve energy on your home.

    Use Natural Lighting

    open window with curtains
    Photo by Alistair MacRobert on Unsplash

    We'll start with the most obvious first. Open up your blinds and let in the natural light to avoid using electric lighting. Not only does natural light help you see, but it will also keep your home warmer in the cold months.

    Add More Window Coverings

    Wait, didn't you just say to open up the blinds for light? When the sun is out in the winter you want to let the sun shine in and warm up your home, but closing your drapes on cold winter nights or when the sun is beating in on hot summer days is a smart move. Layered thermal drapes add a layer of insulation to the windows helping to keep the cold out in winter and the heat out in summer.

    You can also consider solar shades, solar window screens or solar film to block some of the UV rays.

    Open Your Windows

    During the fall and spring you can do without heat or air conditioning by opening your doors and windows and letting the natural air into your home. Not only will you lessen mold spores and the possibility of illness in your home, but you’ll all feel better too. You’ll use a lot less electricity in the process while improving everyone’s mood in the home.

    Assuming the pollen count is low, of course... ahchoo!

    We also open our windows at night in the summer as soon as it is cooler outside than inside and create a cross breeze through the house.

    Buy LED Bulbs

    These light bulbs last a lot longer, plus they use most of their energy to produce light instead of heat. What’s more is they don’t contain mercury so they’re safer for the environment. They do initially cost more, but you will save money over time since they last much longer than traditional bulbs.

    As a bonus, many will work with Alexa or Google Home without a hub if you are interested in home automation.

    Turn It Off

    Not only should you turn off lights when you leave the room, but you should also unplug appliances that aren’t in use to avoid using extra electricity. While I am not about to unplug my TV every time I turn it off, my Instant Pot stays unplugged when not in use.

    It’s actually safer as well. Many fires start from plugged-in appliances that short. As fans of This is Us know all too well.

    Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

    Most appliances today come in energy efficient models and it’s worth it to buy them. The designation for these appliances is called “energy star” and you can look for the ratings on every appliance that you need to buy.

    A 25 your old washing machine consumes copious amounts of electricity as well as water. You would be surprised how fast you recoup the cost of a new appliance in energy savings.

    Only Run Full Loads

    Dishwashers, washers and dryers work best when fully filled. You’ll use less gas, less electricity and less water by ensuring that you have filled each appliance fully before operating it. This is especially true of older models that don’t weigh the contents before choosing how much water is added.

    Use Appliances at the Right Times

    Running your major appliances in the middle of the day during the heat of summer makes everything work harder. These appliances generate heat which means your air conditioner has to run more often. But, that can be a nice little warming bonus in winter time.

    Improve Your Insulation

    If you find that you’re often cold during the winter even when the heat is set to about 68 degrees F, or if you feel drafts or cold/hot spots, it may be time for some new insulation.

    Check around windows and doors for hot or cold air coming in (depending on the weather outside) add new weather stripping and caulking.

    Take Shorter Showers

    Having lived through 6 years of drought here in California we are in the habit of short showers around our home. Not only do shorter showers conserve water, they save electricity (or natural gas) as well. It costs a lot of money to heat water. Turn your hot water heater down to a lower temperature that is in line with safety but that still uses less energy. You can also consider a "military shower", turning the water off while you soap up then rinsing off.

    Saving energy can help our planet and help your budget with a few simple changes. You can even make it fun to figure out how little energy you can get away with using to live your life as comfortably as possible.

    « Happiness is Homemade Easter Projects
    Prize Winning Spring Crafts on Happiness is Homemade »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    audrey humaciu in kitchen

    Welcome

    I'm your hostess, Audrey, an avid "maker" that believes home made is better.

    Whether it's cooking, crafting, gardening, home décor, even blog design, I love making and growing things... even if I make a mess in the process.

    Discover more about me →

    Seasonal Projects

    • top down view of dried rose shadow box
      Make a Dried Rose Shadow Box Display to Preserve Memories
    • A Big Hug Card craft for kids
      A Big Hug Card Craft for Kids
    • supplies for red envelope making with text overlay "free printable Red Envelopes for Chinese New Year"
      Free Printable Red Envelopes for Chinese New Year
    • collage of video game themed Valentines with text overlay "25 free printable video game valentines"
      25 Free Printable Video Game Themed Valentines

    Popular Posts

    • elderly woman with family in the background and text "Sudden Dementia Could be Life Threatening."
      Sudden Dementia in the Elderly Can be Life Threatening
    • collage of pallet planters with text "DIY pallet planters: 2 ideas"
      DIY Pallet Planter: 2 Ideas
    • top down view of dried rose shadow box
      Make a Dried Rose Shadow Box Display to Preserve Memories
    • collage of plastic fruit containers with text overlay "Creative ways to upcycle plastic clamshell containers"
      Awesome Ways to Reuse Plastic Fruit Containers

    follow the fun

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Munofore
    • Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Munofore