Easy Tips for a Safer Energy-Efficient Home

When it comes to advice (and finger wagging), no one gives it to you quite like a Southern mee-maw. Bring up the topic of energy safety and efficiency, and she’ll lay it on you thicker than molasses in January. So, sit a spell and take her advice to heart, because she didn’t just fall off the turnip truck –she’s learned a few ways to stay safe, save energy and save money over the years.

1. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. No sense in lighting up the whole house like it’s Christmas in July. You’re just burning daylight and tossing money out the window.


2. If the sun's shining brightly enough to make your living room glow like a spotlight, let it do double duty and light up your space. Open the blinds and turn off lamps and overhead lights.


3. Those old bulbs you’ve got? Why, they’re greedier than a hog at the trough. Switch to LEDs, which use a lot less energy.


4. Unplug those gadgets and appliances when you’re done – no sense letting them sip on power all night like a mosquito at a picnic. Use a power strip and switch it off to stop power flow when you’re away and unplug electronic chargers once your device is all powered up.


5. Close the door (and windows) – you’re not coolin’ the whole neighborhood! When your HVAC system is running, close all windows and doors. And check the seals regularly to prevent drafts.


6. Check your HVAC air filters and replace them if they are dirty. Clean filters use less energy and reduce the strain on your system. And schedule regular maintenance, while you’re at it. After all, a penny saved is a penny earned. Less energy = lower bills.


7. Use programmable thermostats to manage cooling and heating. Set the temperature to the highest comfortable temperature in the summer (and lowest comfortable temperature in the cooler months) when you’re home. Anytime you’re fixin’ to head out, set the temperature higher (or lower) a few degrees to conserve even more.


8. Be careful – electricity’s got more bite than a cornered rattlesnake! Regularly check and maintain electrical appliances to be sure they’re working properly. That frayed wire or flickering outlet? Call in a professional before you end up in a pickle!


9. Help avoid fire, combustion or harmful fumes by keeping flammable materials away from anything electrical. That combo spells trouble like two wildcats wrasslin’ in a burlap sack.


10. Mind your step! Keep cords out of walkways and your floors clutter-free to help avoid tripping, slipping or fall accidents.


11. And finally, check on your neighbors – especially during storms or outages. Safety is a team effort and acting neighborly is always the right thing to do.