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Smart thermostats can be controlled from an application on your mobile phone or tablet, allowing you to change the temperature when you're away from the house. They also have multiple sensors that provide a better overall reading of the temperature in your home and heat or cool your home more efficiently than regular thermostats. Smart thermostats also send you reports about your energy usage so you can be more in tune with how much energy you are using. Look for the Energy Star label on appliances like refrigerators, freezers, ovens, dishwashers, desktop computers, laptops, printers, and scanners, which indicates that these appliances are energy efficient. Switching your electronics to those with an Energy Star label can significantly reduce your energy consumption and therefore your energy bills. An Energy Star label signifies that an appliance is more energy-efficient than 75% of other appliances, therefore saving energy and money. If you live outside the U.S., contact appliance manufacturers or local government officials to find out about similar ratings or programs in your area. Adjust your refrigerator temperature to 38 to 42F (3 to 6C) and your freezer temperature to 0 to 5F (18 to 15C). Check that the seal on the oven door is intact and avoid peeking in the oven more than necessary, as this lets out heat and increases the cooking time. If your fridge has a power-save switch, make sure it is on, and always check that the door seals tightly. Use your microwave, rather than your oven, for reheating small items. Set your washing machine to wash your clothes in cold water, which can save you up to 50 cents per load while still cleaning your clothes effectively. Always clean the lint out of the filter of the dryer after each use, and remember to dry heavy and light fabrics separately. Use the highest spin cycle on your washing machine, as the high spin speeds remove more moisture and reduce the time needed to dry clothing. If possible, invest in a front-loading washer as they save more water and energy than top-loading washers. Consider buying a high-efficiency washing machine. These are designed to save water and require less detergent. Having a well-insulated home will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the area. Check the insulation around your home, especially in your attic. If needed, add more insulation to your roof/ceiling, attic, or basement to ensure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. If your home is not well-insulated, it will trap more heat in the summer, and lose heat in the winter. This will require you to spend more energy on heating and air conditioning. Having gaps or cracks in your walls or your windows can lead to drafts, which can let out cool air and lead to wasted energy use. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home so you can reduce your heating and cooling bill. Make sure your windows are draught-proof and energy efficient, especially if you live in a colder climate. Saving water also reduces the amount of energy needed to purify or heat it. Limit your shower time and turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth. You can also make sure to wash only full loads of laundry and dishes in order to save water and energy used to heat the water. Installing low-flush toilets and low-volume faucets will also dramatically reduce your water usage. Avoid pre-washing your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Limit the amount of time sprinklers are on, and make sure to only water grassy areas, rather than overspraying onto sidewalks or parking lots.
Use a smart thermostat. Choose energy-efficient appliances. Use your refrigerator and oven efficiently. Use your washing machine and dryer efficiently. Ensure your home is well-insulated. Draught-proof your home. Reduce your water usage.