Are you tired of high energy bills? If so, you are not alone. High energy costs can dent your wallet, but don't worry; there are effective strategies you can use to lower your energy expenses. In this post, we will share ten tips and tricks to make your home more eco-friendly and energy efficient.
Which appliances are wasting the most energy in your home?
Heating and cooling systems: Window AC units and radiators are the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, accounting for 51% of your home's energy costs.
Water heaters, refrigerators, and lighting are your home's second-largest consumption devices, accounting for 27% of your energy bills.
Other devices, such as washers, dryers, cooking appliances, and TVs, account for 22% of your energy bills.
Knowing which appliances consume the most energy can help you make better purchasing decisions and choose more energy-efficient devices.
How to Make Your Home More Energy and Cost Efficient
From installing energy-efficient appliances to making eco-friendly home improvements, here are ten ways you can reduce your energy costs at home:
Conduct a home energy audit: The best way to do this is by getting a professional energy assessment of your home. This will help you identify areas of your home that are inefficient and need improvements. For example, residents of New York State can get a free assessment from state participatory contractors.
Seal air leaks: Hot and cold air from outside can profoundly affect your energy use at home. For example, your AC will cool the air at higher levels if it detects hot air seeping in, contributing to higher electricity bills. Therefore, you should always add insulation around windows and doors to prevent such occurrences.
Install a programmable thermostat: You can program your thermostat to turn off when you are away from home. This will allow you to run your heating and cooling systems only when needed, saving energy and money.
Upgrade to energy-efficient cooling appliances: Window AC units use 40% more electricity than a split air conditioner unit, according to Forbes. So, avoid buying those convenient window ACs on your next trip to Home Depot. Instead, look for split AC units with the A+ ENERGY STAR label. This indicates that they meet energy-efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs: LED bulbs have a longer life cycle than regular bulbs and thus are considered more energy efficient. According to a U.S. Department of Energy report, LED lights use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Use natural lighting: Try installing a skylight or solar tubes to bring more natural light into your home, and avoid turning lights on during the day.
Optimize your landscaping: Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade during the summer, and use landscaping to block wind in the winter.
Change your machine washing program to cold washing and air dry your clothes instead. Dryers use almost 5 times more electricity than washing machines because they have to produce a lot of heat to dry your clothes. If you have ever wondered why your electricity bills are high, this is probably why!
Install energy-efficient windows: Windows with Low-E coatings and insulated frames can help reduce energy loss.
Use renewable energy sources: Install solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to generate your own clean energy.
Conclusion
Making your home more energy-efficient is easier than ever with the help of technology and cost-efficient appliances. With the right brands and technology, you can reduce your energy consumption at home without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Look for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances to maximize energy savings. These products have been designed to reduce energy costs and protect the environment. In addition, investing in a smart thermostat or HVAC system can help you monitor and control your energy consumption.
If you are a conscious consumer like us, join us for our upcoming Emerald Summit: Eco-Business Network on April 21st (EST). You will be able to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses, making an impact.