7 Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home

Home is a place where you can unwind and get away from the pressures of the outside world. While you are rejuvenating and doing your favorite things, you could be wasting a significant amount of energy. This means spending more on utilities than you should be. This money is better spent on having fun during your free time. Consider these 7 simple ways to save energy at home.

1. Turn It Off

Basically speaking, if you can turn it on, you should turn it off before you leave the room. Leaving lights, computers, televisions, and other electronics on uses unnecessary energy and adds to your electrical bill. It takes a few seconds to turn something off and the savings can really be significant over the months ahead.

2. Unplug It

Once again, when you plug something in, it is helpful to unplug the device when you are done. When items are plugged in, they are still using a small amount of energy, even they are not turned on.

3. Open the Windows

Opening the windows can help you save on both air conditioning and lighting. During the coolest days of spring and fall, you can open a window rather than turning on the air conditioning. The fresh air will cool off the house and help get rid of odors. You can also open the shades to let natural light into your home and shut off the regular lights for awhile. Letting the sunshine in can also warm a room.

4. Get Rid of Drafts

Drafty windows and doors are another problem that lets heat out in the winter and air conditioning out in the summer. Get rid of drafts temporarily by putting a blanket under the drafty door or window. Find out about caulking the windows or replacing them. Consider Energy Star windows that are more efficient.

5. Update Appliances

Old appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers, can be sucking up more energy than they should be. Rather than repairing them, replace old appliance with Energy Star efficiency ones. The new appliances should have the Energy Star sticker to show they will use as little energy as possible to deliver maximum performance.

6. Hang Laundry

With appliances in mind, there is no reason to use a dryer during the warmer seasons. Get a clothes line and some clothespins to use instead. Hang your laundry to dry and it will have a wonderful scent of fresh air and sunshine. Plus, you'll be saving energy.

7. Schedule a Home Energy Audit

For more ways to learn how to save energy and cut your utility bills, schedule a home energy audit. The auditor will determine your current energy use and inspect your home to find ways you can save. From changing daily habits to getting insulation, a range of suggestions might be made. Plus, you may also find out about grants and other ways to cover the costs of these upgrades and lower your monthly energy bills.

E3 Power

1616 17th St #383

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 292-1233

7 Ways to Save Energy at Work

No matter what type of business you're in, it is likely you are using more energy than you should. Depending on the size of your company and how much electricity you need, the costs can add up quickly. Discover 7 ways to save energy at work so you can put more of the profits into your pocket rather than spending more on utilities.

1. Energy Efficient Lighting

Consider the cost of old-fashioned lighting, especially if you run a large office. Swap out your old light bulbs with CFLs. With all the lights everyone uses, this can add up to savings you can tally by the end of the year. If you have an office with windows and open spaces, open the shades and let the sunshine in so you can use fewer electrical lights.

2. Turn It Off and Unplug It

It might seem simple, but your parents were right when they told you to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Consider how often the lights are left on at the office when someone goes to a meeting or leaves for lunch or a break. When devices are turned on, or even just plugged in, they are wasting energy. Also, invest in power surge protectors to save more energy.

3. Water Saving Toilets

Your employees might be flushing the toilet all day when you think about how many people work for the company. This can turn into a lot of water over the course of just one week. Invest in water saving toilets to go green and save this important natural resource.

4. Programmable Thermostats

Imagine the heat or air conditioning that might be wasted when everyone leaves the office for the day and nobody remembers to adjust the thermostat. This is no longer something to worry about when you have a programmable thermostat. It automatically adjusts when people leave the office to help yourbusiness save energy.

5. Hibernation Mode

Another quick yet effective way to save energy at the workplace is to have everyone put the computers in hibernation mode when they are not in use. In fact, it makes a difference to let your staff know your business is trying to save energy to reduce costs and have more profits left for the hard-working people who matter.

6. Energy Efficient Devices

Consider investing in energy efficient devices with the Energy Star sticker. This may include the microwave in the break area as well as the printers in your office areas. When you work in a highly trafficked office, these machines are being used all day. The cost of running older models could be causing your energy bills to soar.

7. Commercial Energy Audit

One of the most effective ways to learn how to save energy, based on your current use and situation, is to schedule a commercial energy audit. The auditor will assess your energy use and inspect the facility to find out where low-cost changes can be made that can add up to major savings. You may even find out about grants or other ways to help cover the cost of making upgrades so your business can go green, conserve energy, and cut utility bills.

E3 Power

1616 17th St #383

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 292-1233

What Is An Energy Audit and Why Is It Important To Get One?

It seems that everyone today is talking about going green and reducing their carbon footprint. People want to protect natural resources for the future to ensure their children and grandchildren have them, too. Plus, the cost of utility bills continues to increase rapidly. It is easy to see why going green is good for the world around us and our wallets. Discover more aboutenergy audits and why it is important to get one for your Colorado home or business.

What Is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit is conducted at a home or business setting to determine how much energy is currently being used and ways to save energy. It is wise to be well-prepared for an energy audit. Start by assembling your utility bills for the past year. The auditor will review them to see where energy is being used the most then try to figure out why. From leaky windows to a lack of insulation, the auditor will inspect the premises carefully to determine where energy losses are happening. Make sure all areas of the premises are accessible, including the basement, attic, windows, doors, and storage areas.

What Happens During an Energy Audit?

An energy audit usually takes about a couple of hours, depending on the size of the premises and how many energy sources there are. The auditor brings special tools to find out where air is coming in and escaping, and more. These tools pinpoint areas where losses occur. The auditor will figure out if you are using old-fashioned appliances and devices that are using too much energy. The windows, doors, and other areas will be checked as well as the level of insulation in the house or building. Your lighting is assessed to determine if you need energy-saving bulbs or updated fixtures. After the audit, a report will be issued that includes an array of energy saving advice. Recommendations are made by the auditor and many of them are low cost or no-cost. You might find out about grants or other programs that can help pay for the costs associated with making certain upgrades.

Important Reasons to Get an Energy Audit Today

There is no better time than right now to schedule an energy audit. Each day you are wasting energy, it is using up natural resources that could be conserved. Plus, these excessive use of resources is making your energy bills soar. They continue to go up every year but saving energy is a way you can actually help to lowers these constantly rising costs. Making changes are an investment in your home or business. The cost upgrades can be covered by the money you will save on electric and other bills in the future. You will also feel good about yourself when you start to do something positive for the Earth. Suddenly, you will get the urge to recycle, save water, and do other things that will benefit the world and everyone around you. It feels good to go green and it's even better when you realize you can save some green, too!

E3 Power

1616 17th St #383

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 292-1233