Awareness of the planets limited resources is spreading. It’s crucial now more than ever that everyone does their part to reduce their energy consumption. Taking measures to make your home more energy efficient will reduce pollutants and reduce your carbon footprint. If that isn’t reason enough, the amount of money you can save is substantial.
By making some small tweaks, you can lower the amount of energy needed to power your home and watch your monthly bills drop. Here are five ways you can make your home more energy-efficient.
1. Responsible usage of appliances
Using your home electronics and appliances responsibly can help to reduce your energy consumption. Make sure when something is not in use, such as a television or computer, to shut it down completely. Though appliances may be left on, take care to leave the doors of your fridge or freezer closed and keep them away from heat sources. Even something as simple as placing your fridge in a sunny area may make it use extra energy to cool down.
2. Strategic cooking methods
There is high energy usage exerted for cooking meals. Ovens, especially conventional ones, use more electricity than almost any other cooking method. If you have a convection setting on your oven, you can cook your foods at a lower temperature, thus reducing energy output. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, use lids to keep the heat in and help food cook quicker. Place pans on appropriately sized elements to make the best use of the heat. Observing these small tips can help you be more energy efficient in the kitchen.
3. Heating your home
60% of energy costs go to heating the household. With a rate that high, making changes to your current system can make a significant impact on your energy output. Old furnaces burn a lot of fuel and don’t emit an adequate amount of heat. Hiring a professional to install a new, energy-efficient model will make a huge difference. On top of that, set your thermostats strategically, so they turn down in the evening and during the times when no one is home.
4. Cooling your home
Air-conditioning and cooling your home can suck even more energy than heating it. During the summer, use ceiling fans to keep your air circulating instead of just cranking the air conditioner. Make sure you replace the air filters in your air conditioner often to ensure that when it is running, it’s running effectively.
5. Insulation around doors and windows
Letting heat escape through doors and windows can result in your furnace working harder than necessary. The same goes for air conditioning in the summertime. Make sure your windows have tight seals and have weatherstripping to make sure none of your heat escapes. If your house only has single-pane windows, consider installing storm windows to keep the wind out. Continually checking your frames for cracks, rot, or other damages will help you identify issues early and seal them up right away.
By implementing these tips, you can make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your environmental impact and your expenses.
