Tips for Saving Energy in Your New Home

You just made a big investment: you purchased a new home. Congratulations! Getting settled in a new home can be expensive, but we’re here to help you find ways to save. Check out five top energy-saving tips below.

Tip 1: Choose ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances.

If you’re going to buy new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR certified models. Even though ENERGY STAR certified appliances may have higher upfront costs, in the long run they can offer substantial savings over traditional models. For instance, ENERGY STAR certified clothes dryers use 20 percent less energy than conventional models, while certified refrigerators use 10 percent less. These energy savings translate into lower energy costs, which in turn lead to lower lifetime costs for these appliances. To learn more about the benefits of ENERGY STAR certified appliances, and to find local retailers and rebates, visit MassSave.com.

Tip 2: Upgrade your light bulbs. 

ENERGY STAR certified LEDs use 80 to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last over 20 years. These two factors mean that it costs more than five times less to operate an LED over its lifetime compared to a traditional incandescent bulb! In addition, LEDs are available for all the lights in your home, from table lamps, to bathroom vanities, decorative lighting, outdoor lighting, and more, meaning that you can easily replace existing light bulbs in your home with energy efficient ones. Find discounts on LED bulbs at stores throughout Massachusetts or online thanks to the sponsors of Mass Save.

Tip 3: Install a programmable thermostat. 

Use a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust your heating system to reach different target temperatures throughout the day and across seasons. Lowering the temperature of your thermostat when you sleep or are on vacation and keeping it set lower during winter months are some easy ways to lower energy use. Learn about rebates on wireless enabled and programmable thermostats at MassSave.com/thermostat.

Tip 4: Check the coils, seals, and temperature of your fridge. 

If your home already comes with a refrigerator, make sure it’s ready to operate efficiently before filling it up. Clean the fridge’s condenser coils on the back of the unit. If dirt and dust build up on the coils, the machine runs less efficiently, which means it’s wasting energy and dollars. Also check that the seals on the refrigerator and freezer doors are clean and seal tightly. To test, close the door over a dollar bill. If it slides or pulls out easily, the seal or latch may need cleaning or replacement. Another good idea is to check the temperature of your fridge to ensure that it’s not being kept colder than needed. Set the fresh food compartment to 35°-38°F and set the freezer to 0°F.  

Tip 5: Use advanced power strips. 

When setting up your TV and home entertainment system, make sure to plug these devices into an advanced power strip. Most electronics continue to draw energy even when they’re turned off. This wasted standby energy can contribute up to 10 percent of a household’s electric energy use. Advanced power strips help minimize energy waste by cutting off energy flowing to your electronics when they are not in use. 

So enjoy your new home, and don’t forget these tips to save you energy and money!