As NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt told the Washington Post last year, There is no going back.
If you have gas heat and gas-powered appliances, some of these tips will be useful as well.
Probably not as good as youd like.
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It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Change Air Filters and Keep Vents Clean
Lets face it, air-conditioning vents arent pretty.
But more important for the health and efficiency of your HVAC system is actually keeping up with routine maintenance.
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2. it’s possible for you to also save energy by turning the thermostat up a smidge at night.
But dont get too stingy with the cool air.
Some even remind you to change the air filter!
Lowering the temp to 120 degrees is perfectly fine for most people.
Just get sometower fansfor the hot summer months.
Some even come with remote controls so you might adjust them from the couch while bingingThe Bear.
Thats about $8 a month in savings on your electricity bill.
And if you have sockets youre not using, consider outlet plug covers for a complete seal.
In the winter, thicker window treatments like curtains can help keep heat from escaping.
If you’re able to see the support beams in your attic, your attic needs more insulation.
As for ductwork, seeing dust is actually a good thing.
Dryer balls can actually cut drying time by up to 25%.
Regularly cleaning your dryers lint trap can also improve its efficiency and help prevent fires.
see to it you get one with the official Energy Star label.
(The exception is refrigerators, which usually make their new model debuts in May.)
However, shipping costs can add up, so shop around and compare prices.
Check your power companys website, or call the company to discuss what it has to offer.
you’re free to also check out programs likeWattBuyto see if youre eligible to switch energy providers.
A home energy audit can tell you what the most strategicenergy-efficient upgrades to your housemight be.
Well, they kind of had a reason: They were paying the water bill.
Use it to water houseplants or fill up the dog bowl; theyre much less picky drinkers.
If you ask me, any reason not to hand wash my dishes is a win.
To save even more pennies, dont rinse your dishes and pick the air dry cycle.
Use Less Water When Flushing
Want a simple trick to save water when flushing?
Then, screw on the lids, and put them in the toilet tank.
double-check theyre away from all the operating mechanisms.
This easy hack reduces the amount of water your toilet uses every time you flush.
Youll just have to budget for the upfront cost of purchase and installation.
Master the Art of Washing Clothes
There are a few ways you might conserve while doing laundry.
First, be sure you have a full load, rather than washing several smaller loads.
Then, be sure to wash that full load on cold.
The only exception is when someone in the household is sick or when washing extra-soiled clothes and linens.
Then, be sure to turn the temperature to hot or warm, and use bleach if possible.
Finally, feel free to skip that extra rinse.
Just be sure youre not using more detergent than you need.
But before you call that expensiveplumber, check out YouTube.
There are a few video tutorials on how to fix a running toilet yourself.
Also, when turning off faucets, be sure youre turning them offall the way.
If your faucet is dripping, give the handle one firm twist before calling up the plumber.
Sometimes, all you need is a little force to turn the faucet all the way off.
When replacing faucets, look for those labeled as WaterSense certified, per the EPA.
Costs can be high, so shop around.
They might say its to encourage conservation, but we all know everyone needs to make money.
Former Penny Hoarder staffer Jessica Gray contributed to this report.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
