We can be smart about how we use certain things in our home to lower our electric bills and conserve natural resources at the same time.
Keeping cool in the summer is primarily tied to your HVAC system and its ability to perform efficiently. Performing regular maintenance on your system is key to avoiding issues. Something as simple as changing the air filter on your furnace every few months will go a long way to preserving the efficiency of your system. A clogged filter will mean that the unit will have to work harder to cool the air. The temperature you set for your thermostat will also determine how hard your system has to work. It is ideal to keep it at a steady temperature and as high as you can comfortably tolerate.
Old appliances are not designed to be the best when it comes to saving energy. If you have the means to replace appliances that do not have an good Energy Star rating then go for it. If not, saving up and replacing them as you can is your best bet. A lot of the newer appliances also give you the option to run them in an “eco” mode. Using this option will use the least amount of resources.
Light bulbs are an easy way to swap out something older for a newer, more efficient model. LED bulbs are many times over a better choice to light your home. They come in many different types so just pick the right one for your needs and you will be all set. Check out this comparison of energy savings with LED bulbs.
When it comes to water usage and being a good steward of its consumption, changing out fixtures that leak or are older and less efficient is best. Low flow toilets, faucets and showerheads will help drive down your water bills and save you money. If you are thinking that these types of fixtures will reduce your flow so much that all you will get is a trickle then think again. The technology has come a long way so that you can have an enjoyable experience and still have a low consumption imprint.
How you use energy has an impact on the amount you use. Smaller systems use less energy. When you are consuming media make sure that you try to utilize perhaps an iPad as opposed to your whole entertainment unit. Choosing to stream with a Google Chromecast, Roku or Apple TV tends to be more efficient than using a bulky gaming system instead. The same goes for using a laptop as opposed to a desktop computer system. Laptops in general tend to use less energy so be thoughtful when choosing how and when to use the internet on the devices you may have.
If you are just hemorrhaging energy and you can’t determine what the issues are, then it might be time to call in a professional. A professional energy audit will be your best bet to really find where your issues lie. They can evaluate any air leakage you may be experiencing from windows and other spaces along with any other issues that may be contributing to your energy consumption. They will also discuss any habits that you may have that could be adding to your usage. This service can be on the pricier side, so if you can do the little things discussed previously you may be able to get your energy usage managed without having to call in the big guns. Learn more about professional and DIY home energy audits..
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