Install motion detectors. They can be connected to lights, fans, or any other electrical device. They’ll save energy dollars by automatically turning on the electrical device when you enter a room or area of your property, and then they’ll turn the device off when you leave. They can also make your home more secure by turning on exterior lights if there is an intruder.
Match pans to burners. For stovetop cooking be sure to use the burner that most closely matches the diameter of the pot or pan you are using. You could save around $36 a year with an electric range or $18 with a gas range.
Keep your stovetop shiny. When the metal pans that surround burners on older stove tops become blackened from charred spillover, they absorb heat. When they are clean and shiny they reflect heat and require less energy to cook food.
Bake in the toaster oven. If the dish you are making will fit in your toaster oven, cook it in there. It could slash the energy cost by more than half over a full size electric oven. You’ll save time too because a toaster oven preheats much faster than a full size oven.
Install a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater costs about the same as a tank water heater, but is likely to last more than 20 years as opposed to the 10-15 year life expectancy for a tank type heater. Plus, tankless models are 24-34 percent more energy efficient. Tankless heaters are not recommended for large households however.
Banish power vampires. Charges for phones, tablets and other cordless devices drink juice even when they are not charging anything-so unplug them. Likewise, turn off or unplug televisions, computers, cable boxes and game consoles-anything with an indicator light.
Upgrade to LED lighting. You can cut the amount of energy used by your light bulbs by up to 90 percent by switching to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) from traditional incandescent bulbs. LEDs also last 25 times longer, meaning you won’t spend as much on new bulbs over time.
Get help paying for improvements. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may provide funding to help you pay for weatherization and energy related home repairs. Find out if you qualify by visiting your state’s LIHEAP website or calling 866-674-6327.
Taken from the AARP Article
by Beth Braverman and David Schiff, AARP, Updated July 19, 2022