Who doesn’t want to save money these days? We outfit our homes with energy-saving appliances and systems, and that’s great. But here are 8 easy ways to live with more energy efficiency.

1. Don’t pre-rinse your dishes. Save water by putting those dirty dishes right in the dishwasher. When you clean them before your dishwasher, you’re doing double duty. And if your dishwasher doesn’t get off the caked-on messes, have it checked, because it should!
2. Replace your thermostat. A programmable thermostat lets you pre-set your temperature controls. Install a smart thermostat, and you can control it from your smartphone, wherever you are. You can save about $100 per year when you better manage your home’s temperature, so a smart thermostat is a smart investment.
3. Change your bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs are inexpensive, but cost you more in the long run. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use 75% less energy and will last eight to ten times longer than fluorescents. LED lights are even longer lasting—up to five times more than CFLs—and contain no mercury.
4. Replace your filter more often. When dust and particles build up on the filter, the system works harder, which means it uses more energy. Replace the filter at least every six months. If you have pets, smokers, or open windows that lets the dust in, plan on changing the filter a minimum of every three months.
5. Install low-flow showerheads and toilets. A lot of money is going down the drain in your home. About 40 percent of your water bill comes from flushing the toilet. Conserve on water usage with low-flow toilets and showerheads.
6. Set your water heater to 120°F. You need a balance between scalding and hot enough to kill germs and bacteria. If your water heater temperature is 140°F, you’re wasting up $36 to $61 annually, according to the S. Department of Energy. For every 10 degrees you lower the heat setting, you save $12 to $30 per year.
7. Conserve in the laundry room. Almost 90 percent of the energy used by a washing machine is consumed by heating the water. Use cold water with a cold water-specific detergent, for excellent results—including preserving the color of your clothing. Don’t wash partial loads; they take up as much energy as a full one. Next, separate the lightweight items from heavy ones (towels, jeans, blankets) when using the dryer. Heavier items require more drying time. And be sure to clean the lint trap after every load to improve the air circulation, which conserves energy and removes the flammable dryer lint.
8. Plant shade trees. Leafy trees around your home on the west and southwest sides provide natural shade that will keep your interior temperature cooler during the hot months.

At Authentic Homes, we build energy efficiency into every home. The way you live after you move in can make a big difference as well!