How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

The average household spends $2,100 each year on heating, cooling and lighting their homes, according to EnergyStar.gov, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program. However, by making some fairly simple changes and maintaining appliances, Murfreesboro movers believe that you can not only save on your energy bill, but also reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. 1. Use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) – Replacing current light bulbs with CFLs saves two-thirds the amount of energy it takes to light a regular incandescent bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs and can save $40 or more on energy costs over the course of its lifetime. 2. Clean air ducts and change air filters – Dirty air ducts and filters can be hard on the furnace because buildup from dirt, dust, etc. makes your furnace work harder. So, clean your air ducts and change air filters every two to three months, to continue to be energy efficient once you have moved to Murfreesboro. 3. Make sure your doors and windows are sealed – Air conditioning can escape through even the tiniest of cracks, so make it a point to check all doors and windows for gaps. The more cool air that escapes your home, the harder your air conditioner will have to work to replace it. 4. Invest in a programmable thermostat – Having a thermostat that is able to automatically turn on and shut-off to maintain a specific temperature, will keep your air conditioner from constantly running. It could also save you over $100 a year in energy costs, which is well over what you will pay for the device. 5. Install energy-efficient toilets and showerheads – Using low-flow toilets could save more than 9,000 gallons of “flushing” water a year; and likewise using a low-flow showerhead uses nearly 3.5 gallons of water less than traditional showerheads a minute. 6. Utilize your ceiling fans – Depending on when you move to Murfreesboro, use your ceiling fans to help maintain temperature within your home. During warmer months, use your ceiling fans to help keep rooms cooler; and during the winter months, reverse the rotation of your ceiling fan blades to keep warmer air circulating down into your rooms. 7. If you’re not using it, turn it off – Make it a habit to turn off lights, TVs, etc. before leaving a room. Teach your kids the same habits to become an energy-saving family after moving to Murfreesboro. 8. Shade your home with trees and plants – If your new home is in direct sunlight the majority of the day, Murfreesboro movers recommends planting shade trees on the west and southwest sides of your home. 9. Replace old windows – Aged windows allow the warm rays on sun to seep in and heat up the interior of your home. By replacing these older windows with low thermal emissivity (Low-E) windows, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of heat let in in the summer time and out during the winter.

10. Downsize – Consider the appliances you truly need for your home. Is that extra refrigerator in your garage absolutely necessary? If it’s something you can do without, try selling or donating it before you move to Murfreesboro.