Last updated 4 December, 2023
Happy Energy Awareness Month to all who celebrate—which, we hope, is everyone! After all, there are so many small changes that can be done around your house to make it more energy efficient, not to mention cost-efficient. It goes without saying, the environment and your wallet thank you! So, here are just a few of our favorites.
Host Disconnect Breaks
Want to reconnect with your loved ones? Well, the first step is to disconnect from virtually everything virtual. Try to enact nightly screen-free time in your household for, well, however long it can last. If everyone commits to analog entertainment for an hour per day, you’ll see a major dip in your energy bill—and an uptick in treasured family time. (Or, okay, at least you’ll get some good board game action.)
Invest in Energy Saving Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs use 70-90% less energy than traditional bulbs. Plus, they last 10-25% longer (up to 13 years!), which means fewer end up in landfills. Our LED bulbs give off the same amount of light you’re used to, while using way less energy. Want more good news? Well, nowadays, you can find LEDs for less than $5, so your “investment” pays for itself in almost no time at all.
Unplug the Unused
Did you know up to 10% of your home’s energy usage could be attributed to gadgets and appliances that are always on standby? Yikes! And most electronics don’t need to be charged overnight—in fact, sometimes overcharging can even harm batteries. So, before you hit the hay, do a quick walk-through to unplug anything you won’t need until the morning. Then you can rest easy knowing the energy savings will add up as you sleep.
Wash Clothes on Cold
Here’s some cool news: you can save big bucks by washing your clothes in cold water and selecting the shortest cycle needed. And when it comes to laundry, only run washers and dryers when they’re completely full. (Bonus tip: the same applies to your dishwasher.)
Automate When Possible
We get it—people are constantly winding through your home, oftentimes leaving lit but empty rooms in their wake. But by simply adding our CYNC Motion Sensor or Motion Sensor Smart Switch, your lights will turn on when they sense movement and turn off when everything is at a standstill. It’s a kid-proof (and forgetful adult-proof) way to reduce the energy usage in your home.
Stay Closed Off
Shut doors to areas you aren’t using, and keep blinds and curtains closed, too. You’ll trap the warm (or cool) air, while freeing up room in your household budget.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat, like our CYNC Smart Thermostat, can help you save on heating and cooling costs, while keeping your family warm and toasty (or cool, calm, and collected) all year round! Many programmable thermostats also allow scheduling, so you can come home and revel in your perfect climate. Or you can simply control it with the CYNC smart home app to adjust the temperature from anywhere.
Take Control of the Hot Water Tank
For lower energy costs, reduce the temperature on your water heater to 130°F. While you’re at it, wrap your water heater in a specially designed blanket to help it retain heat.
Seal It Up
Sealing air leaks around doors and windows will help you save on your heating and cooling, as well as prevent dreaded wintertime drafts.
Wrap up
So consider this your green light to go green. And even though Energy Awareness Month only lasts through October, you can continue to make Earth-friendly choices (and lower your bills) all year round!