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.
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2528 BOSQUE ENTRADA Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Welcome home to a slice of country living in the city! This impeccable 3 bed | 2 bath home is located in the much desired Bosque Del Rio neighborhood. Home features: freshly painted interior with an open concept kitchen, newly painted kitchen cabinets and new hardware, SS appliances, Quartz countertops, new fixtures, plantation shutters and window seats, 2 refrigerated air units, open and spacious living room. Outside is beautifully landscaped with low maintenance plants, trees and flowers; very relaxing! The Bosque trails are walking distance – where you will enjoy New Mexico living at its finest. Schedule your showing today!
Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.
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