Higher fuel and electricity prices don’t have to turn into higher energy bills. Take low or no cost steps to use less energy. When replacing old equipment or upgrading your home, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Applying for rebates can help make your investment in energy efficiency more affordable. On average, a home equipped with ENERGY STAR certified products uses 24% less energy and saves about $450.
Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures with certified bulbs can save nearly $40 a year in energy costs. ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulbs provide high-quality light output, use up to 90% less energy and last 15 times longer than standard bulbs. This helps save money and replacement costs.
Installing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat can help control temperatures in your home for optimal savings and comfort. If you have a manual or programmable thermostat, program it at lower settings while you are away or asleep.
If you have old windows but can’t afford to replace them, consider adding certified storm windows. If you have window air conditioners, look for certified models. Make sure you remove them in the winter or insulate them with a tight-fitting a/c unit cover.
A ten-minute shower can use less hot water than a full bath, especially with a low-flow shower head.
Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy your machine uses to wash clothes. Wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible. Depending on the clothes and local water quality (hardness), many homeowners can effectively do laundry exclusively with cold water, using cold water laundry detergents. To save water, wash full loads. If you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
Don’t over dry your clothes. If your dryer has a moisture sensor that will automatically turn the machine off when clothes are done, use it to avoid over drying. Remember to clean the lint trap before every load. Dry full loads or limit drying time for partial loads.
Save on hot water by scraping dishes instead of rinsing them before loading in the dishwasher. Run your dishwasher with a full load and use the air-dry option if available.
To learn more about The Home Depot’s sustainability efforts, visit the company’s Responsibility section and check out the 2022 ESG Report Highlights.
