Tips to Save Money for Your Home and Business

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In today’s world of rising prices, finding cost-efficient solutions to everyday problems is crucial. We’re all looking for ways to save money on our energy bills at home and work. Whether you’re looking to invest in technology that will save you money and energy in the long run or just trying to make a difference in your everyday life with small energy-saving acts, this comprehensive list will provide you with tips to save money for your home and business.

Home Energy and Money Saving Tips

Your home sees a lot of activity, much of it coming from devices and appliances you use every day. From charging your phones and computers to running the dishwasher after family dinners, your energy bill reflects the energy you use. If you’re trying to figure out how to save energy at home and cut down on your electricity bill, these tips will help you get started.

1. Choose Energy-Saving Window Film for Your Home

Windows can affect the aesthetic of your home, but did you know they can impact the cost of your home, too? Windows let in natural light, create glares, wash out furniture, let in ultraviolet (UV) rays and even increase your energy bill. By adding energy-efficient window film to your home’s windows, you can decrease your risk of UV exposure, extend the longevity of your furniture and, most importantly, save money on energy costs.

Residential heat control window films can cut down heat in the summer and reflect it back into your home in the winter. This light and heat regulation helps you enjoy reduced energy bills and a more comfortable home during the summer and winter months. Every homeowner’s style is different, but there are a diverse array of window tints available that can reflect your style while also reflecting heat so you can conserve energy.

See some of the ways solar control window films can help you save energy:

  • Reflective: Reflective Silver and Optivision® Reflective tints are designed to keep your home more comfortable by providing interior and exterior reflectivity. Reflective tints can minimize glare and offer privacy without obstructing your views, and they block up to 80% of heat from the sun.
  • UV protection: Protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of UV rays with UV Gard tint. This special-purpose film filters out 99% of UV rays while still allowing the maximum amount of light into your home.
  • Stylish and functional: Premium residential window films allow you to save energy at home without sacrificing your personal style. Find energy-efficient window films that can reduce heat, minimize glare or create a soft, natural appearance.
  • U.S. Federal Tax Credits: Up to $600 in tax credits is available to U.S. homeowners, a benefit that was recently extended through 2032.

2. Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

According to Energy Saver, tankless water heaters can be 24%-34% more energy-efficient than storage tank heaters. Tankless water heaters provide hot water only when needed and heat water instantaneously, eliminating standby heat and energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters. While tankless water heaters have a higher initial cost than storage water heaters, they are more cost-efficient in the long run, have lower operating costs and tend to last longer.

3. Use Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are incredibly intuitive, regulating your home’s temperature on their own. Software algorithms in smart thermostats observe your family’s comings and goings and use that information to adjust your heat and air conditioning (AC) automatically. By recognizing when heating and cooling aren’t necessary, like when you’re not home, your smart thermostat can save electricity, bringing down heating and cooling costs.

4. Utilize Smart Power Strips

Your devices — like laptops, TVs and cable boxes — consume energy even when turned off or in sleep mode. Like smart thermostats, smart power strips can sense when energy isn’t needed to power something. Smart power strips detect when your devices aren’t being used and cut off power to them, so you’re not wasting energy on devices that aren’t in use. 

5. Use Ceiling Fans

While this home energy-saving tip may seem strange, hear us out. Ceiling fans use significantly less energy to run compared to an AC unit, but simply buying a ceiling fan isn’t going to save your energy costs. Purchasing a ceiling fan that’s the appropriate size for the room you’re using it in will ensure it performs at maximum capacity. Large ceiling fans require less energy to create a more substantial amount of airflow, making them better suited for open spaces, whereas a smaller ceiling fan will exert more energy to complete the same task.

6. Consider Adding Solar Panels

Solar panels provide your home with a natural energy source and require little maintenance or upkeep. Like tankless water heaters, solar panels are costly up front but can bring a major return on investment in no time. Especially if you live in an area with high energy rates, solar panels could be a fantastic energy-saving investment for your home.

7. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Save money and energy by having a home energy audit on your house. Home energy audits can give you a detailed report of where energy is being lost in your home, how efficiently or inefficiently systems and appliances are operating and how you can better save money and energy. These audits are usually done through your local utility company and are offered in two forms: 

  • Basic energy analyses are the perfect budget-friendly option for identifying energy inefficiencies within your home. During a basic energy audit, a certified technician will inspect window and door air leaks, appliances’ age and condition, electrical device usage and much more.
  • Comprehensive energy audits are more expensive but include a basic energy analysis along with other tests. Comprehensive energy audits include testing for duct leakage, wood moisture, mold and asbestos checks and thermal imaging scans. Their detailed results can help you more accurately pinpoint areas of your home where energy is being lost and where efficiency can be optimized.

8. Make Little Adjustments to Everyday Life

If you’re not looking to invest money into gadgets that’ll cut energy costs, there are still some ways to save energy at home without breaking the bank. These home energy-saving tips can be incorporated into your daily life and put you on track toward a lower energy bill:

  • Turn off your lights: When you were younger, you may have rolled your eyes when someone scolded you for leaving the lights on. As annoying as it might have been back then, turning off the lights when they’re not needed can save your home a significant amount of energy. You can purchase timers and motion detectors to ensure you’re using your lights efficiently.
  • Limit oven and stove use: Save money in your kitchen by cutting down on your oven and stove use. Limit pre-heating times to avoid using extra energy and repeatedly opening it to check on your food. Your oven’s temperature can drop approximately 25 degrees each time you open the door, so it’ll need to use more energy to get the temperature back up to normal.
  • Hang clothes to dry: Your dryer uses energy to produce heat to dry your laundry. You can run your dryer less often by hanging your close out to dry, especially during the spring and summer. If you can’t let your laundry air dry, make sure to always keep your dryer’s lint screen clean so it can run more efficiently.
  • Hand wash dishes: When possible, hand wash your dishes to save money on the energy needed to heat water for your dishwasher to run. If you don’t have the time to hand wash them, only run your dishwasher when you have a full load to minimize the number of times you run it. Consider letting your dishes air dry by cracking open the door rather than leaving it on for the drying cycle.

Business Energy and Money Saving Tips

Businesses are incredibly reliant on technology to keep things running smoothly. Your computers, monitors, copiers, modems and in-office lighting all require electricity, so it’s no surprise that businesses have hefty energy bills. As a business owner, there are quite a few ways to conserve energy and save money.

1. Choose Energy-Saving Window Film for Your Business

Your office building’s windows offer your employees a portal to the outside world while working indoors for most of the day. Especially now, floor-to-ceiling windows give your office building a sleek, modern look that makes the interior workspace feel open and inviting. While those beautiful floor-to-ceiling views offer your employees a brief respite during the busy workday, they’re also letting in harmful UV rays and natural sunlight that can create annoying glares on computer screens, disrupting workflow.

By installing commercial UV-blocking window film on your building’s windows, you can regulate your office’s temperature and avoid those pesky thermostat wars. Energy-efficient window films can reduce heat accumulation from natural light and reflect heat inside the office during colder months. You’ll slow fading for your interior furniture and merchandise and save money from potential replacement costs.

Commercial UV-blocking window films offer several benefits to your business, like:

  • Privacy: Optivision® Reflective and Reflective Silver films provide external reflection to maintain privacy and lower energy costs while still allowing your team a natural view of the outside. 
  • Enhanced exterior appearance: Improve the look of your business’ exterior with a professional installation of exterior architectural window films that blend style with functionality. These window tints slow fading and reduce glare while giving your business’ exterior a sleek, uniform look.
  • Temperature control: Sunscape® Softlite window films reduce heat within your building to create a comfortable indoor work environment while cutting down on heat and air conditioner costs. These window films offer soft tones that encourage natural lighting in your building. 

2. Turn off and Unplug Your Devices

Turning off your devices and unplugging them when they’re not in use is a great way to avoid your devices falling victim to excess energy use. Have employees turn off and unplug computers, monitors and other technologies before they leave the office for the day.

3. Use Smart Power Strips

Smart power strips are an excellent way to conserve your business’s energy usage. Especially in an office setting, smart power strips are a great way to ensure your devices aren’t using unnecessary energy while you’re not at your desk during long lunches or weekends.

4. Avoid Screensavers

While they may look nice when they pop up on your screen, screensavers do not conserve energy. Even when your desktop’s display goes blank, it’s still using energy. When you use a screensaver rather than sleep mode, you’re actually decreasing your computer’s energy efficiency. 

5. Use Sleep Mode

Using sleep mode when your computer is inactive is an excellent alternative to screensavers, as it reduces your computer’s electricity usage. Encourage your employees to put their computers in sleep mode if they’re stepping away from their desks for periods of time rather than letting them get to a screensaver.

6. Utilize Natural Lighting

Use daylight to your advantage — turn off the lights and let natural light illuminate your office space when the sun is shining. With the right window film, you can confidently turn off the lights to save energy without worrying about the distracting glare from sunlight streaming through the windows and keep productivity going strong.

7. Turn off the Lights at the End of the Day

Just like at home, turn off the lights when you’re leaving. If you know there will not be anyone in the office until the next work day, turn off the lights to avoid wasting valuable energy. If you have night cleaning crews that come in regularly after hours, consider investing in motion sensor lights that will turn off automatically when no activity is detected.

8. Invest in LED Bulbs

LED lighting can save your business energy in more ways than one. LED lights are popular in commercial and industrial industries because of their high efficiency rating. They use almost 75% less energy than regular incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 times longer. LEDs also produce less heat compared to incandescent and CFL lights, which release up to 90% of their energy as heat.

9. Adjust the Thermostat Accordingly

Turning down your office’s thermostat a few degrees before you leave for the weekend can make a huge difference in your monthly energy bill. If you’re not working during the weekend, your office’s heating and air shouldn’t be either.

Find a Madico® Dealer Today

Madico’s trained professionals are ready to help you choose the right energy-saving window film for your home or business. Our network of Madico dealers can help you protect the inside of your home or business from the sun’s harmful UV rays and slow the fade of furniture and merchandise. If you’re ready to experience the difference Madico can make in your home or business, find a dealer near you today to discuss window film options and schedule an installation.

   

Kitchen Energy Savers

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Your kitchen contains the biggest energy and water hogs in your home. With all the resources in use in this popular room, there are many ways for energy to be used inefficiently. Luckily, changing a few cooking habits and using your appliances more efficiently can help you reduce your kitchen energy usage and save some cash.

Consider these kitchen energy-saving tips to use your appliances more efficiently and reduce the cost of your bills.

 

 

Oven Stove Kitchen Energy Savers

Keep Oven and Stove Heat Where It Belongs

When using the oven, preheat for 5-8 minutes only, and cut cooking time up to 20% by moving the rack closer to the heating unit. Every time you open the oven door, you lose 25-30 degrees, so check the food with the oven light instead. Save energy and time by using the self-cleaning feature right after cooking to take advantage of residual heat.

For smaller meals, cut usage in half with an electric pan or toaster oven. Slow cookers are a great alternative and average a dime’s worth of electricity per meal. Cut out electricity altogether by grilling outside, and you’ll avoid forcing the refrigerator to work harder in a hot kitchen. 

If you have a gas range, confirm you are getting a blue flame. A yellow flame means the fuel is burning inefficiently, and your gas line should be checked by your gas company. When buying new, look for an oven with an automatic electric ignition system instead of having a continuously burning pilot light.

On top, purchase reflective (instead of dull) burner pans to direct more heat to cookware and save one-third of the energy usage. Blackened, dirty burner pans absorb heat and reduce efficiency, so clean them regularly. Reduce heat loss by using pots and pans with flat bottoms and matching them to the correct burner size.

 

 

Refrigerator Freezer Kitchen Energy Savers

Avoid Overworking Your Refrigerator and Freezer

 

Another energy-saving tip is to not set your refrigerator and freezer colder than necessary. The Department of Energy recommends setting refrigerators between 36-40°F and freezers between -5-0°F. 

You can do simple things to prevent your refrigerator from working overtime. Maintain circulation by not overcrowding the shelves. Make the condenser work more efficiently by waiting for food to cool before storing and covering containers to prevent moisture. Every three months, vacuum the condenser coils underneath and behind the unit. Test for air leakage by closing the door over a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily, look into getting a new latch or seal.

 

 

Dishwasher Sink Kitchen Energy Savers

Reduce Water Usage

 

Conventional faucets flow up to five gallons per minute, but you can reduce this to 1.5 gallons simply by installing a low-flow faucet. Remember to choose cold water for rinsing, filling pots or running the garbage disposal. In fact, skip the garbage disposal and create a compost heap instead.

Dishwashers save time, but they raise utility bills, too. Wait until you have a full load and let dishes air dry after cleaning. The “rinse hold” setting uses 3-7 gallons of hot water per use, so ignore this setting when you only have a few soiled dishes. When purchasing a dishwasher, look for options with internal booster heaters, so that you can set your water heater thermostat at 120°F (rather than 140°F for dishwashing purposes).

Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Your kitchen is likely a hub for activity throughout the day, which means your kitchen lights are probably turned on often. Traditional light bulbs can burn a lot of unnecessary energy, especially if you have these lights turned on more than others. Consider replacing your light bulbs with a more energy-efficient option. For example, LED bulbs last longer and use about 90% less energy than traditional light bulbs. 

Setting your kitchen lights on timers or dimmers can also help reduce energy use. Timers automatically turn your lights off after a specified amount of time, which can be especially helpful for families who leave lights on due to forgetfulness. Dimmers allow you to lower the light levels so you’re using less electricity than powering them at full capacity.

Install Window Film

While all these energy tips can help you cut back on energy use, one of the longest-lasting changes you can make is installing window films.

Your windows can significantly impact your energy consumption, especially when it comes to heating and cooling your house. In the winter, heat can escape through your windows, and the same can happen to the cool air from your air conditioning in the summer. Install window films to help keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With window films, your heating and air conditioning systems can run more efficiently, thus saving energy and money. 

Find a Madico Window Film Dealer

Without making major changes, you can make your kitchen more energy efficient and save considerably on your monthly costs. Window films from Madico®, Inc. can help increase your home energy savings year-round while also providing a number of additional benefits, like:

  • Glare control: Windows let in a lot of sunlight, which can create glare on your television and other devices. Reduce the annoying glare that makes it difficult to see your screens with Madico solar control film.
  • Aesthetics: Madico window films are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. We create our films in a variety of hues and shades so you can find a film that adds to the look of your house. 
  • Fade prevention: As the sun shines through your windows, the UV rays can damage your furniture, flooring and other upholstery. After a while, they’ll fade and look worn. Madico window films help to block out harmful UV rays and preserve your belongings.
  • Skin protection: Our window films can also help protect your skin. Sunlight can still damage your skin through windows, so window film provides an extra layer of UV protection. 

Find a Madico window film dealer to start reducing your energy consumption today!

   

Energy Saving Myths and Their Alternatives

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We are all trying to find new and innovative ways to save energy in our homes, which could ultimately save us some money. But sometimes those “innovative” practices we find on the internet or hear from our friends aren’t exactly putting extra change in our wallets or cutting down the energy usage in our homes. So which methods work and which don’t? Let’s bust some myths and figure out some ways to actually save energy and money!

 

 

Myth #1: Replacing Windows is a Good Investment for Energy Savings

 

Myth 1- Replacing Windows is a Good Investment for Energy SavingsThis is not necessarily true. While, yes, replacing windows with glass that is thick and tinted could eventually save energy and cut down bills, the amount you’d be spending on those windows definitely will not out weigh the benefits.

 

Instead: Rather than spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on window glass replacements, try having window film installed instead! Window film and its installation costs significantly less and can do a lot for energy savings and heat prevention in your home.

 

 

Myth #2: Electric Space Heaters Use Less Energy

 

Myth 2- Electric Space Heaters Use Less EnergyActually, using a space heater or two will use even more energy than heating your home through your central air system. They use a lot of electricity which can really amp up your bills if you’re using them constantly throughout the colder seasons.

 

Instead: If your home is cold, it will be better on your wallet and your air system to simply let your home heat up slowly. While you may have to opt for some blankets and sweaters for an hour or two, it’ll be much more cost effective to allow your home to heat up by slowly increasing the temperature on your thermostat.

 

 

Myth #3: Keeping the Ceiling Fan Running Will Cool a Room More Quickly

 

Myth 3- Keeping the Ceiling Fan Running Will Cool a Room More QuicklyContrary to popular belief, a ceiling fan doesn’t help your air conditioning unit to cool a room more quickly, or allow it to work less. A fan makes us THINK we are cooler because the air circulating touches our skin and makes us believe the room is cool. However, keeping a fan running doesn’t actually cool a room, just the area around it. In fact, keeping it running will cost more than allowing your air conditioning to slowly cool a room on its own.

 

 

Instead: Only use a fan while you are in a room. It’s more for your comfort rather than energy efficiency. Just like slowly heating an area, slowly cool an area with your air conditioner. Bring down the temperature by a degree or two every hour. Once the room is cool, turn off your fan.

 

Myth #4: Washing Dishes by Hand Uses Less (Heated) Water Than a Dishwasher

 

 

Myth 4- Washing Dishes by Hand Uses Less (Heated) Water Than a DishwasherWell, not exactly. Actually, allowing the hot water to run as you clean the dishes uses more water and forces your water heater to work more quickly than running the dishwasher.

 

Instead: Most modern dishwashers are very water and energy efficient. Letting the dishwasher work on its own will use less energy than handwashing your dishes and allowing hot water to continuously run. Take advantage of your appliances in your home, especially your dishwasher.

   

5 Energy Savings Myths Busted

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So you’ve started implementing a few energy savings tips to cut down on home utility bills. Good job! But some tips are not as effective as you think. In fact, your efforts might be costing you money. Let’s bust some myths.

 

 

Close vents and registersMyth 1: Close vents and registers in unused rooms to save energy.

 

In reality, energy is consumed through the heating and cooling unit itself, especially if you have a central HVAC system. When you restrict air at the vent, it simply redirects the flow to other areas of the home or through leaks in your duct system. This puts increased pressure back on the system’s fan that pushes out the air. All that you are doing is forcing your system to work harder and use more energy.

 

 

Crank the thermostat higherMyth 2: Crank the thermostat higher to heat or cool a home faster.

 

When your HVAC system kicks on, it is already producing hot or cold air at its maximum potential. The home will not come to your comfort level any faster than if you adjust the thermostat to a standard setting. What a drastic setting will do is lengthen the run-time of the system, which bumps up your energy usage and heads into an uncomfortable temperature.

 

 

Turning on and off a lightMyth 3: Turning on and off a light generates more energy than leaving it on.

 

Somehow, the theory that turning on a light bulb creates a power surge has survived being debunked. In truth, there is no significant power draw when a light is switched on. Simply put, leaving a light on draws energy. Even if you are leaving a room for only a few minutes, flip the switch to off or invest in auto-sensors that will shut off lights for you.

 

 

Your computers screen saverMyth 4: Your computer’s screen saver is also an energy saver.

 

When the screen saver application is running, your computer comes back to life immediately with a finger click. Your computer has been running at capacity all along with additional energy used to run the screen saver! Today, most computers and monitors have power management settings, which allow you to save energy by putting them to sleep or shutting them off after a preset period of time. However, even power management mode uses energy. When you will be gone for longer periods, especially at night and on weekends, power down your equipment completely.

 

 

Keep your thermostat at one constant temperatureMyth 5: Keep your thermostat at one constant temperature.

 

You’ve likely heard conflicting information on where to set your thermostat when not at home. Here’s the deal. Keeping your home at the same temperature uses more energy than bringing the house up to temperature. You will use less energy to warm up a cold room in the morning or cool off a warm house when you get home from work. The better energy saving option is to set the temperature just a few degrees off your standard and toss on a throw or close curtains to block sunlight.

 

With these long-standing energy savings tips debunked, you’ve got the know-how to become more efficient at cutting down energy usage in your home.

   

3 Energy Saving Items to Buy at Your Hardware Store

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Whether you head to big-box stores for your hardware needs or shop locally around the block, you can get sidetracked looking at all the handy products that can make your home projects simpler. Next time you’re wandering the aisles, ask a clerk to point you to these cool, inexpensive energy saving items that are made specifically to cut down air leaks in your home.

 

 

Thermal Leak Detector

Cost: $20-$100

Thermal Leak Detecter In TextIf a certain room in your home feels hotter or colder than other areas, you may have hidden air leaks. Find them with a thermal leak detector, which is a device that uses an infrared laser to measure surfaces for dips and peaks from a reference temperature. To locate where you are losing energy specifically, shine the device around doors, windows, and footings. Most devices alert you to differences in temperature by changing from neutral green to red (hot) or blue (cold) so that you can pinpoint outside air drafts, and determine where you need to seal air leaks.

 

 

Outlet Gaskets

Cost: $1-$5

Outlet GasketElectrical outlets and wall switches located on exterior walls can be responsible for up to 5% of energy loss in your home. Installing foam outlet gaskets are an easy and inexpensive way to reduce incoming drafts and outgoing temperature-controlled air. Your local hardware store will offer plates and switch covers with the foam attached or you can grab a box of gaskets and install them behind your current covers. Some plates are even spring-loaded to cover plug holes when not in use, which blocks even more air loss, and provides added protection for children.

 

 

Window A/C Covers

Cost: $15-$50

Window AC Cover In TextIf your air conditioner is mounted permanently in a window or built into the wall, then winter winds can sift through your unit into the home and cause drafts, heat loss, and a higher electric bill. A quilted or insulated air conditioner cover will shield your unit from taking in cold air and can protect it from leaves, dust, and snow, which helps it function better when it’s time to use it in summer. You can choose a cover to place over your conditioner from the inside or the outside. You’ll find cover options in different sizes and materials (indoor ones are typically machine-washable). Some covers attach with Velcro, while others use elastic to wrap the unit like a fitted sheet. Besides a cover, add some weatherstripping to seal between the unit and window frame, and you’ve taken a big step in keeping yourself warmer in winter.

 

On your next trip to the hardware store, take an extra moment to look around for these energy saving items that can help you save energy without breaking the bank.

   

Top Apps to Use in an Energy Emergency

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Winter storms can leave you stranded far from home or stuck inside without power. This type of energy emergency may require you to seek help immediately. That’s when you turn to your trusty smartphone. Having one (or more) of these disaster relief mobile apps at the ready means you have the power in your hand – just a few clicks away.

FEMA Mobile App

FEMA Mobile AppThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed an impressive mobile app experience, which provides emergency preparedness tips for nearly any situation – from home fires to tsunamis. It also features a map of local disaster recovery shelters and a Disaster Reporter map. The Disaster Reporter map functions much the same as Lantern Live, where it relies on crowdsourcing to supply and share photos that illustrate critical information for first-responders and fellow citizens. You can download the free FEMA app for your Android or iPhone.

Lantern Live

Lantern LiveThe Lantern Live app allows you to look up the nearest operational gas station, find fuel, and view power outage maps. Using the clout of crowdsourcing and open data, Lantern Live calls on the people of a disaster-stricken community to provide updates and pertinent details. You’ll find real-time pictures and comments depicting the severity of a flooded road, while also being able to view local power outages and read useful tips on how to safely handle an emergency. Lantern Live is free but currently available only for Android users.

Red Cross Everyday Apps

First Aid, Blood, Flood, Tornado, Earthquake, Wildfire, Hurricane, Shelter Finder and Pet First Aid

Red Cross Everyday AppsThe Red Cross has a family of mobile apps, each focused on a different type of emergency situation. The Tornado App, for instance, provides step-by-step instructions of what to do even if the power is out and cell towers are down. You can also opt into push notifications to alert you when tornado warnings have expired, which is especially helpful when you have no power to watch local news. You can learn more and download any of the free Red Cross apps here.

Winter Survival Kit

Winter Survival KitMany people living in colder climates already have a survival kit packed in their car. If you don’t, this app provides a list of everything you need on hand in case of an emergency. On top of that, Winter Survival Kit will track your location should you get stranded in the middle of nowhere and need help contacting emergency services. The app’s Gas Calculator comes in handy by estimating how long you can run your engine with the fuel you have left in the tank. To help protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning, you’ll get an alert every 30 minutes to turn off your car and check the exhaust pipe for snow buildup. Get it free on  iTunes.

Power Outage Alarm Pro

Power Outage Alarm ProFor those with second homes or week-long travel plans, Power Outage Alarm Pro is extremely useful. It notifies you via text message or audible alert if any electrical equipment suffers a power cut while you’re away from home. The most popular uses include monitoring a fridge/freezer, fish tank, sump pump and heating system. Power Outage offers simple peace of mind when you download it on your Android device for $3.99.

You can also check apps from local power companies, such as Ready Virginia and OCFL Alert. These serve very specific markets, but their growing popularity could bring more targeted assistance to an area near you.

See Also: Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips

   

Home Office Energy Saving Tips

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According to the Global Workplace Analytics latest telecommuting statistics, an estimated 3.3 million Americans work from home. Working remotely may save you gas for your car, but what about its impact on your energy bills? The home office is a big contributor to total home energy usage, but by employing a few energy saving tips, you can also save money without sacrificing office performance.

 

 

Equipment

 

Laptop In TextDepending on your usage, ENERGY STAR labeled office equipment such as cordless phones and computers will use 30-60% less electricity than standard equipment. You’ll save more energy by using all-in-one devices that combine multiple functions (print, copy, scan). An ENERGY STAR labeled flat-panel LCD monitor uses one-half to two-thirds less power than an equally sized CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screen, and it can save you $10 to $30 per year in electricity costs. Instead of a desktop computer that uses nearly 130 watts of electricity, buy a laptop that consumes 15 watts only, and you’ll save one-third the power.

 

Most devices consume electricity even when switched off. The AC adaptor for printers, scanners and laptops draws power continuously, so turn them off when they are not in use. Make it simple to power down all devices at once by grouping your plugs into one power strip. Even better, find a power strip that senses when devices aren’t in use, and it shuts them off for you. Don’t forget to turn off monitors and unplug battery chargers as well.

 

 

Power Management

 

Sleep Mode In TextSave energy by putting your computer in low-power sleep mode, and you’ll get the added benefits of keeping the machine cooler and retaining longer battery life. The energystar.gov website provides a list of operating systems with easy instructions on how to enable your power management settings. Additionally, you can adjust the settings for when you stop using the computer for a period of time, such as a lunch break or phone calls. Turn it off completely if you’ll be away for more than two hours.

 

 

Lighting

 

Lighting In TextSetting up energy efficient lighting is one of the simplest ways to save money. Arrange your desk to make the most of natural light on sunny days. Switch to halogen incandescent bulbs, LED, or compact fluorescent light bulbs, which last longer and use one-quarter to one-third of the power of conventional bulbs. Instead of relying entirely on overhead lights, conserve bulb usage by setting up task lighting. Place a floor lamp in a corner, and it will magnify light throughout the room.

 

 

Heating/Cooling

 

Desk Fan In TextWhen home alone during the day, avoid running heat or air conditioning at capacity for the entire house. Lower the thermostat a bit and supplement your office with a space heater in the winter or with fans in the summer. Just don’t forget to unplug them when they’re not in use.

Your office is one of the easiest rooms to tackle when making your home more energy efficient. Performing just a few mindful changes will save you energy and save you money.

   

Save Energy No Matter Where You Live

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You can employ a number of tools to make your home more efficient. But, when you’re on a fixed budget or only have time for one or two improvements, it’s important to choose the most effective option to save energy. Where you live in the U.S. will help determine your energy-saving priorities.

Save Energy No Matter Where You Live - Infographic thumb

   

Power Down Your Home on Summer Vacation

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Summer vacations are a time to relax and unwind from the daily hustle and bustle. Unfortunately, while you’re vacationing away from your home, your energy bill is still higher than expected. No one is home and the appliances are off, so why is your energy bill the same amount as the previous month? Although you’ve stopped working, your home’s utilities and electronics have not. So before you start your summer vacation, make sure your home is on vacation mode, too.

Avoid Vampire Power

Avoid Vampire PowerBefore leaving your home, set aside some time to walk through your home and make sure all unnecessary electronics and appliances are unplugged. Although you may not be using them while you’re on your vacation, vampire power will still run up your electric bill. Any unnecessary electronic devices including lamps, floor fans, game consoles, TVs, and computers, should be unplugged while your house is vacant. These devices can also be plugged into a power strip that is then switched off. Whichever method you choose, the risk of vampire power is avoided.

Controlled Cooling

Controlled CoolingUnless there are pets in the house while you’re away on your summer vacation, you can really take advantage of increasing your thermostat to cut energy consumption. Setting your thermostat between 85 to 87 degrees will show a drop in your next energy bill. Programmable thermostats can also help with maintaining energy use while you’re gone. If you choose to turn off your thermostat while you’re away, you can program your thermostat to turn on the day of or the day before your return so that your home is comfortable to come back to.

Maintain Major Appliances

Maintain Major AppliancesOn longer summer trips, it is a good idea to clean out your refrigerator and turn it off. Refrigerators are a major culprit of using large amounts of energy; they are the Hummers of automobiles. If the trip is shorter, you can raise the refrigerator and freezer temperature to the highest temperature it can go without spoiling the food inside. You can also power down your water heater if your summer vacation is longer than just a weekend getaway. Before shutting down or adjusting the settings on any major appliance, be sure to read the product manual to avoid issues.

Close Your Blinds

Close Your BlindsThere are many things you can do to save energy in your vacant home during your summer vacation. Besides unplugging and turning off different appliances, you can also do simple, yet effective tasks, like closing your blinds and curtains. This helps maintain your home’s temperature by blocking the heat so that your AC doesn’t run more frequently than necessary. If you have window film on your home’s windows, that will provide an additional layer of protection from the sun’s rays and also help prevent fading of your window coverings. Your home’s windows provide the easiest access for cool air to escape and warm air to enter. Covering your windows also provides a level of privacy while you are away. So on your next summer vacation, be sure to follow some of these energy saving tips so you can worry less about your bills and more about relaxation.

   

5 Energy Tips for Your Restaurant

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Like any great restaurant owner, you have a lot of plates in the air. Between establishing and maintaining a cool ambiance, serving quality food and recruiting experienced staff, you may feel as if you’re burning through money. Trying to become more energy efficient would just be another weight on your shoulders. But, running an energy-smart eatery doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with these baseline tips, you’ll start seeing some dough roll back in.

You can cut utility costs by 10 to 30% if you strategically invest in energy efficiency, according to energystar.gov. By implementing Energy Star’s recommended tips, including the ones below, you can reduce energy costs by up to 20%. That kind of savings can lead to as much as a 30% increase in profits.

Serve Something Light1. Serve Something Light: It’s almost too easy, but replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can save energy with little effort. CFLs use nearly 80% less energy, which can save you up to $75 for every five bulbs swapped out. Plus, they last at least three times longer than incandescent alternatives. Your EXIT signs could even use a change. For these brighter luminaries, use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

Set the Timer2. Set the Timer: Instead of manually adjusting your heating and cooling system each day, use a programmable thermostat that you can set and forget. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your restaurant’s operating hours. With heating and cooling accounting for the majority of your utility bill, there’s a lot of savings to be had from efficiently controlling your restaurant’s climate.

Place an Order for Shade3. Place an Order for Shade: Speaking of climate control, what are you doing about that midday glare? Professionally-installed window film can block up to 99% of the sun’s rays, naturally keeping your restaurant cooler and customers more comfortable without turning up the A/C. And no matter what time of day, customers won’t need to squint, making it easier for them to enjoy their dining experience.

Cut the Power4. Cut the Power: Chances are you leave appliances on even when they aren’t being used. Power down ovens, toasters, and even cash registers when you don’t need them. If you have refrigerators or freezers that consistently remain half-full, condense all the food into fewer units and shut off these under-utilized energy-eaters.

Take Out the Trash5. Take Out the Trash: Whether it’s an extra refrigerator you’ve been holding on to, a mediocre exhaust hood or a 10-year-old dishwasher, you likely have at least one large, energy-draining item that needs to be thrown out. If it’s a necessary appliance or ventilation system, be sure to replace the old unit with an ENERGY STAR certified version. A good example would be replacing an outdated dishwasher with an insulated or infrared gas model for optimum energy savings.

Some energy efficient enhancements will come with a greater financial investment initially. However, with the possibility of a cleaner, more comfortable dining experience and happier, more productive employees, you can’t afford not to invest in some of these simple energy-saving tactics.