Conserving Energy When Your House Is Full

The cold weather is near, and we’re not all used to experiencing it in quarantine. By mid-day, energy use in the home is up by up to 30%, according to bbc.com. With the added stress of working, learning and living together, how do you stay comfortable and keep the cost of your bills down at the same time? These practices allow you to regulate energy efficiency as conditions change.

There are several check-ups to be had that can guide you toward power reductions in your home:

• Check your heating system yearly. To catch problems before your furnace breaks down when you really need it, Make A Request on GetAssist for an HVAC specialist to perform an inspection.
• Your AC filters, furnace, and heat pumps should be tested monthly and replaced often.
• Get an energy audit, a series of tests by a professional, to identify what’s hogging energy usage.

Here are some energy conservation techniques you and your family can do yourselves: 

• Only run full loads of dishes; air dry them to save 15% of your dishwasher’s energy use.
• Turn the t.v. on standby when not in use, or better yet, turn it off to save up to 10% of your electricity bill.
• Don’t keep the computer running, and turn the brightness down to 70% to save 20% of electricity. In a time of working and learning remotely, you’re experiencing enough screen time. Engaging in more mindful activities instead could benefit your mental health.
• Lower the water heater to 120F/149C to prevent scalding as well as save 15% of expenses.
• With more bodies home all day, you already have natural heat provided. In fact, wearing warm clothing to insulate the body is more efficient than turning up the heat. This way, the whole family can customize their level of warmth, despite different preferences. Furthermore, covering the feet, head, and hands can instantly warm you, as blood flows primarily to the core for warmth.
• While the recommended temperature for a home is 70-78F/21-26C, it’s doable to turn the heat down to 68F/20C and even lower at night, as cooler temperature actually helps you get the sleep you desperately need during quarantine. Anxiety, more screen time, and a new daily schedule during this time all contribute to insomnia.
• Seal cracks and areas near windows that let air in with caulk. Also, make sure that your house is properly insulated to keep the warmth in.

To avoid thermostat wars and nagging about lights left on during quarantine, involve your kids by making a game out of setting a goal to save, and reward them with a fun family activity!

The following are the best products to have in your home for a healthier pocketbook, environment, and family!:

• According to americasaves.org, LED lights use 25% less energy than regular light bulbs.
• Any appliance labeled ENERGY STAR meets energy efficiency criteria.
• The ProtonPure air purifier is considered the top purifier of 2020 by Customer Trusted Ratings, killing 99.97% of germs and consuming the least energy.
• These cleaning products are recommended to disinfect your home during the pandemic:
  • The Crown Choice Grout Cleaner Brush is great for the bathroom with its angled bristles.
  • The Cyclone V10 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner runs on a 60-minute battery for the carpet and hard-wood.
  • Clorox wipes are bleach-free and kill 99.9% of viruses.
  • You can now reach pesky spots up to 8 feet with the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster.
  • Or, Make a Request on GetAssist for a housekeeper who follows safety protocols and uses products that disinfect!

Check-ups, conservation, and certain purchases can reduce the amount of power consumption within the home. If you need help making your house more comfortable and efficient while you experience stay at home with your family, Make A Request on GetAssist for a local licensed professional!