Easy DIY Tricks to Cut Down On Energy Costs and Make Our Appliances Last Longer

Published on 06/25/2024
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Consider Installing Storm Windows

Windows are one of the main areas of concern when it comes to air escaping out of your home. That's why it might be worth considering investing in some storm windows. These are basically more durable windows that go over your existing windows. And while they're meant to protect your home and windows from storms, they can also help you save money on your energy bill by keeping air from escaping.

They even sell special storm windows designed to do just that. However, they might be somewhat of an investment upfront, but they should still save you some money in the long run.

Consider Installing Storm Windows
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Install An Instant Water Heater

Instant water heaters do pretty much what the name implies; they heat water nearly instantly. Most homes come with a large water heater that sucks up a lot of energy. They have to in order to heat all of the water in the tank. But an instant water heater doesn't even have a tank. Instead, it works by heating water only when you turn on something like a faucet.

Some estimates say that instant water heaters can save as much as 50% when compared to traditional water heaters, but they do require a bit of money upfront to buy.

Install An Instant Water Heater
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Air Dry Dishes

Dishwashers are great and can help save a lot of time. However, they can also use a lot of power, especially when it comes to drying dishes. Luckily, you can save some money by skipping this process. We're not saying you have to forgo using your dishwasher entirely, but you can just let your dishes air dry if you stop your dishwasher right before its drying cycle kicks in.

This should save you some money by cutting out the most energy-intensive part of the dishwashing process. You could also just switch to washing and drying by hand to cut down on using even more energy.

Air Dry Dishes
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Use A Laptop Instead Of A Desktop

Depending on the type of work you do, this one may or may not be possible. But switching from using a desktop to a laptop while at home can help cut down on electricity costs. This is because a desktop generally uses a lot more energy than a laptop. The latter is built to be energy efficient since it has to last so many hours on a single charge as opposed to a desktop that's meant to stay plugged in.

But again, if your work requires a lot of computing power, then you might not have a choice in the matter and you may be forced to stick with using a desktop.

Use A Laptop Instead Of A Desktop
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Compare And Contrast Energy Providers

It's always worth checking out some other energy providers in your area if you're concerned that you're paying too much for electricity. However, if you live in some parts of the U.S., then this might not be an option. For example, the southeastern part of the U.S. really only has one option when it comes to energy providers. But some other parts should have multiple, and you can easily compare prices to see who offers the best deals.

It might also be worth checking out what kind of deals and rebates energy providers and local governments offer many will pay for you to install eco-friendly energy devices in your home.

Compare And Contrast Energy Providers

Let The Sun Do All Of The Work

During the early and late months of winter, it might just be a better idea to open up your blinds than to reach for the heater. This is usually when the sun is shining bright enough to heat up your home so long as you don't open up your windows. Doing so will keep you from using the heater for a bit and, in turn, save you some money at the end of the month.

Of course, this solution only works so long as it's reasonably sunny outside, but it can still help you cut down on heating costs more days than not.

Let The Sun Do All Of The Work
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Install Some Solar Panels

Solar panels used to be relatively expensive, but they've dropped massively in price over the years. You can now install solar panels on your home for relatively cheap. In some cases, this can get you off the grid entirely. In others, it can drastically cut down on your energy usage. Either way, it's worth looking into whether or not solar panels are a good option for you and your home.

Some energy companies will even pay you small amounts for using solar panels, as any electricity they generate and put back into the grid is like you selling the power company electricity.

Install Some Solar Panels

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