New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home
Date: January 5, 2023
In January, it is common to focus on health and wellness when making New Year’s resolutions. As we vow to eat healthier, exercise more, and improve our finances, it is also an excellent time to make some resolutions regarding our homes.
Reducing energy use at home is one resolution worthy of consideration.
After housing (rent or mortgage), transportation, and taxes, utilities are the most significant expense for most households. Millions of Americans, over 55 million, struggle to pay for basic household necessities, such as meals and medicine, after paying their utility bills.
Your electric bill is likely to be the highest of all utility bills – fluctuating based on energy prices, the time of year, and usage. The most significant contributor to high electric bills is heating and cooling living spaces.
Some ways to save energy and money on heating and cooling your home include:
Windows and doors: Seal any cracks around windows, doors, and ductwork to keep cool or warm air inside your home. Stopping air leaks around windows and doors can save 10%-30%, or more, on your utility bill.
Thermostats: Adjusting your thermostat by 7° to 10°F from the normal setting for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% on annual heating and cooling expenses. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperature settings when you’re asleep or away from home.
Air filters: Clean or replace filters regularly to help keep your HVAC system working efficiently.
Blinds: Close curtains and blinds in the summer to keep out heat from the sun and open them in the winter to bring in the sun’s heat.
Do you know how much electricity your home uses on an annual basis? Entergy Arkansas customers with advanced meters can access detailed energy usage data under MyAdvisor, found within the Entergy app for smartphones or online at: http://www.EntergyArkansas.com.
Entergy also offers efficiency-improving core measures at no additional cost to qualifying customers through their Home Energy Solutions Program. Learn more at: http://bit.ly/EntergySolutions.
The US Department of Energy offers a free downloadable Energy Saver Guide with tips on saving money and energy in your home at: http://bit.ly/DOEguide.