by Chelsea Springli 
Energy proofing your home can cut annual utility bills in half. Find out how to monitor and reduce heating and cooling costs, how to reduce energy costs when using larger appliances, and how landscaping can reduce utility bills. Plus get simple tips for saving energy and money every day. Here are some home energy efficiency tips to help you start saving money today!
Start a Compost Pile
A compost pile gives you a place to transform your organic waste into fertilizer for your garden. According to the USDA, up to 30% of our trash is food waste. By tossing fruit and vegetable waste into the compost bin, you end up with nutrient-rich food for your lawn or garden in the spring, all while using less trash every day. Plus, you can save money by spending less on fertilizers.
Use LED
If you have incandescent or CFL bulbs, consider switching to LEDs. LEDs use less energy than both of the other options and also have the longest lifespan of any bulb on the market today. LEDs are offered in 40W, 60W, 75W, and 100W, just like the other two types. They also use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs are typically more expensive than the other two types of bulbs, they’re more energy and cost efficient in the long run. By using less energy, your electric bill will decrease. Plus, they need to be replaced less frequently, so you can go longer between buying more bulbs.
Change the Thermostat Setting
In the summer, set your thermostat to around 78 degrees. In the winter, change it to 68 degrees. Use your clothes to adjust for the changing seasons. In addition, use a programmable thermostat to change the temperature even more when you’re sleeping or at work for the day. A smart programmable thermostat can enable you to adjust the temperature of your home no matter where you are. Adjustments like these can decrease your bill by 10% every year.
Unplug and Turn it Off
When your electronics are plugged in, electricity still flows from the wall outlet through the cord and to the electronic device. This process causes some energy loss. Energy keeps flowing to your device when it’s turned off too. Unless it’s plugged in to keep charging, it doesn’t need to stay on or plugged in. When you finish using the computer, turn it off. Only turn on these types of electronics when you’re going to use them. Wasted energy like this counts for up to 10% of our energy use, and therefore bills. I’m guilty of leaving my devices in sleep mode and charging when they don’t need to be. I bought a power strip so I can easy stop electric access to several devices at the end of my workday.
Replace the Filter
Replace your HVAC filter regularly. If it’s dirty, it restricts airflow and forces your system to run longer and work harder than it should. The longer it runs, the more energy it uses. Aim to replace your filter every 1-3 months to keep your HVAC running efficiently.
Plant Some Trees
Trees planted around your home’s perimeter can lessen heat gain from the sun by casting shade on your home. In turn, it can make your home easier to heat and cool. While trees can be a costly expense up front, you’ll save energy over time. Plus, it adds come curb appeal, which can work wonders if you decide to sell your home in the future.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensors on light switches can ensure they the lights are turned off when no one is in the room. If you have forgetful family members, this small change can make a big difference to your energy costs.
Homeowners who take the initiative to make these changes usually discover that the energy savings are more than worth the effort. If you’re ready to take on a project to make your house more energy efficient we’d love to help you with a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit.
