From Guest Blogger Eileen O’Shanassay: Five Tips to Save Money and Energy at Home

Lowering your utility bills sounds great, but a lot of people don’t know just how easy it is to make a home more energy-efficient. Truthfully, reducing energy and costs doesn’t require a lot of hi-tech upgrades or uncomfortable sacrifices. Making a series of small changes and being conscious of potentially wasteful habits can have a huge impact on your monthly bills. Here are some ideas to help get your house back on track and a little greener.

Turn off Electronics

This is probably a no-brainer. Turning off your electronics and other appliances when they are not needed can save you quite a bit of money. If you want to save even more, consider unplugging items that are not used on a regular basis or turning off power cords at the end of the day. Even when an electronic is turned off, it will continue to draw a tiny bit of power. Making sure you have everything turned off and unplugged when you leave the house or go to bed will save you money in the long run.
Save Water

Water bills are something many people don’t think of when trying to reduce household bills. This can be a great way to save a lot of energy though. Installing a Smart Controller sprinkler system to water your lawn can ensure the grass stays green and the water hose isn’t left on by accident. You can also save on water by limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower, making sure you use the appropriate load size while doing laundry, and switching to low-flow faucets and toilets. Bonus tip: doing your laundry in cold water could save you about $60 per year!
Clean Air Filters

Opt for washable air filters instead of disposable ones. Make sure you clean the filter out about once a month. Use a vacuum or rinse the filter to get rid of dust particles. When filters are not maintained, they make the air conditioning and heating systems work harder – which raises your electricity bill.
Use Blinds and Shades

During the summer, take full advantage of your blinds and curtains. Make sure these curtains and blinds are closed in sunny areas so the space doesn’t get overheated. Insulated curtains or thick drapes can be used to keep out even more radiant heat from the sun. In the winter, use open curtains and blinds to reduce how much light and electricity you turn on and to head your home a little more.
Use Fans

Use ceiling fans, box fans, or oscillating fans to cool your home. A steady air flow can make your space feel five degrees cooler. This tip is especially useful at bedtime, as more fans can make your sleeping space cooler and more comfortable without requiring you to turn down your thermostat.

Saving energy and money in your home doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Taking just a couple of minutes a week and making conscious, well-informed decisions about your energy usage is the best way to start. Try a few of these tips in your own home and see just how big of a difference a few small changes can make.