Joshua 
There are two main reasons you should use less energy in your house. You will save money on your utility bills and help the environment. There are many ways you can reduce the energy consumption of your household. Below are energy-saving suggestions that range from behavioral changes to major home improvements.
Natural light can be controlled
Blinds, shades, curtains, and other energy-efficient window treatments can help you control the temperature and light naturally. They are free to use once they have been installed, unlike HVAC systems.
Turn off all lights when the sun is out to make your home brighter. Your windows can be left open in winter to heat your home. It is also important to close them during the hot Texas summers.
Take shorter showers
This is an easy tip to save energy. An average American uses nearly 70 gallons per day or 25,300 gallons of water each year. Only toilets and clothes washers are more wasteful than showering.
You can reduce your water consumption by as much as 10 gallons by reducing the time you take to shower. You can further reduce your water use by turning off the water while you are shampooing or soaping. If you really want to conserve energy, consider using cold water for your showers.
Reduce the temperature of your water heater your home’s total energy consumption is also affected by water heating. Although a water heater that is more efficient is the best way to save energy, it can be costly. You can also reduce the temperature of your water heater.
You can reduce your water heater’s energy use by reducing the temperature by 20 degrees. Although 20 degrees sounds like a lot of water, most people don’t heat their taps as much as they can. It is possible that you won’t notice any difference.
At its hottest, 120 degrees is the ideal temperature. Most hot tubs range from 100 to 105 degrees. You can save up to a quarter of your energy consumption by lowering the temperature of your hot water heater.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs use significantly more electricity than energy-efficient fluorescent and halogen light bulbs. Traditional light bulbs also need to be changed more often, every 6-10 months, as opposed to every 10-14 months for fluorescent and halogen bulbs. Although energy-efficient bulbs can be more costly off the shelf than regular light bulbs, only replacing five fixtures in your home that are most frequently used can help you save as much as $75 annually on your electricity bills. They are much more affordable in the long term.
You can seal any leaks in your home
Weatherizing is a great way of lowering your heating and cooling costs. It involves sealing air leaks around your house. Leakage is most likely to occur around doors, windows, and vents. The usual suspects include light fixtures and attic hatches.
It is easy to stop these leaks. To ensure that your vents, doors, and windows are clean, check for cracks or other openings. Seal any small leaks with high-temperature silicone glue.
Make sure your attic is properly ventilated
Attic ventilation is essential to maintaining proper temperatures in your attic, and your home’s comfort during all seasons. In the summer, heat rises up to the attic from the home. This is why energy-efficient ventilation is so important. Hot air can cause roof damage and mold growth. Attic ventilation reduces heat and moisture in your home, which will keep it cooler and help prevent mold growth.
Get Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows can be a major source of energy waste because they are subject to heat loss and cooling air loss. You can save as much as $100 by replacing single-paned aluminum windows with energy-efficient ones. Energy-saving windows have double- or triple-paned vinyl windows. They include features such as multi-chambered profiles and foam-filled insulation. Heat pockets are also included. This combination dramatically increases energy efficiency.
Radiant Barriers
Radiant barriers can be installed in your attic to reduce summer heat gain and thereby lower cooling costs. Radiant barriers use a reflective surface that reflects radiant heat back to the source, rather than absorb it like traditional insulation. Radiant barriers can be a great way to save up to 35% on your monthly energy bill in sunny areas like San Antonio. A Copper radiant barrier is the best type of radiant barrier. It’s more heat-reflective than aluminum and even after it oxidizes.
Keep Your HVAC Units In Good Condition
Regular maintenance of your HVAC unit should be scheduled. A checklist for HVAC maintenance will ensure efficiency, prevent equipment breakdowns, extend the equipment’s lifespan, and reduce energy costs. The checklist should contain at least:
Refrigerant leak detection.
All filters can be checked/replaced.
All electrical components should be inspected.
Inspection/flushing of all drain pans, and drain lines.
Temperature and pressure measurements of refrigerant lines.
You should replace your HVAC system if it is more than 15 years old.
Insulation that is energy efficient
Insulation plays a vital role in reducing your cooling and heating bills. Insulation allows your home to retain heat in the winter and heat outside during the summer.
High R-value insulation, which is a measure of heat resistance and should be energy-efficient, should be used. It should also contain eco-friendly materials. The size of your home will determine how much insulation you will need. You should add insulation to your crawlspace, attic, walls, and floors.
Energy Star Appliances
Always look for the Energy Star label when looking for energy-efficient products or appliances. This federal guarantee states that an appliance will use less energy than the standard version. You can expect to save at most 10 percent depending on which product you choose.
*This tip can be used in conjunction with many other energy-saving tips. When purchasing light bulbs, windows, and smart thermostats, as well as insulation, water heaters, or refrigerators, you should be looking for the Energy Star label.
Why Saving Energy is Important
Energy conservation helps you save money, increase your home’s value, and preserve the environment. By following just a few of the energy-saving tips above, you’re ensuring you don’t have to spend as much on heating and cooling your home. Even more importantly, you’re reducing your carbon footprint, helping to conserve Earth’s precious natural resources like fossil fuels, and improving overall air quality.
