Now that you’ve bought your home in Albuquerque, you no doubt want to make sure all your finances are in line. When it comes to energy costs, it can be easy to spend too much, as all the little ways to lose energy in a home can add up.
How can you save energy in your home without making any major changes to your new home?
Keep Your Fridge Full
Keeping your fridge full is a great way to save energy. Not only do you have more food, but when solid items are close together, they retain the cold air better, saving energy.
Leaving town for awhile and fridge is empty? Fill voids in the fridge or freezer with water bottles.
Switch Your Bulbs to LEDs
It’s no secret that LED bulbs are extremely energy efficient. If you haven’t already, get rid of those old incandescent bulbs and replace them with LEDs. They last up to 15-20 times longer, and can save up to $75 a year in energy.
Use Power Strips
Electronics can suck power even when you turn them off. If you plug them into a power strip, you can turn the power off to those appliances and save more energy. Plus you can protect your expensive equipment from power surges.
Use a Toaster Oven When Possible
Toaster ovens use 50% to 70% less energy than a full-size oven.
Set Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees
Hot water heaters are usually set at the factory higher than what you need. You can save 3% – 5% for every 10 degrees you lower the temp setting.
Insulate Your Water Heater
An insulating water hearer jacket can cost only $30 and save 7% to 16% off your water heating costs for the year. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to avoid creating a fire hazard.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Just switching from hot to warm water will cut every load’s energy use in half, and you’ll reap even more savings taking the temp down to cold. And don’t worry: Your clothes will get just as clean from cold water, thanks to the efficiency of today’s detergents (except in the case of sickness; you’ll want hot water and bleach then).
Use the Right Dryer Cycle
If you’re using a high-heat setting for each load, you could be using more energy than you need. Almost all fabrics can be dried with a lower heat setting, such as the permanent press setting. It uses less energy and has the added bonus of extending the life of your fabrics. Save the higher heat for items such as sheets and towels.
Use Homemade Cleaners
Many commercial products rely on baking soda or vinegar for their cleaning power, so why not make your own? Most homemade cleaners cost less than $1.
HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK
7021 CLEARY Loop NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Welcome to this home, built in 2020 by Abrazo homes within Lomas Encantadas. This open floor plan concept of living, dining & kitchen offers ideal space for entertaining. Oversized island in the kitchen, add stools for additional seating. Stainless appliances and pantry. Quartz countertops and ample cabinets. Split floorplan, with Primary bedroom and secondary bedrooms separated. 3 car garage! Backyard is an open canvas for your gardens. Neighborhood offers multiple parks/recreation areas, nature trails, and a dog park, with close proximity to 528 & I-25. restaurants, shopping and Breweries. Move in ready means you can transition with ease and enjoy the start of Fall and the Holidays.
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