Whether you live in a small studio apartment or a sprawling single-family home, there are lots of small but effective changes you can make in your home to reduce your energy consumption. If you’re passionate about the environment and want to do your bit in cutting down your carbon footprint, leading an eco-friendlier way of life can save you a ton of money that can be put to better things. Obviously, the first step would be to switch to a green energy provider. Luckily, you can compare green energy suppliers on portals like SimplySwitch or similar sites. But that’s just the start.
From performing a home energy audit, to adjusting your thermostat, here are 8 small tips on how to reduce your home’s energy consumption.
Turn Off Standby Appliances
You may not realize it, but your electrical appliances will consume energy, regardless of whether they’re in use or not. Keeping your TV on standby could be costing you hundreds of dollars each year, so before you head to bed, make sure that you switch off standby appliances. Doing a quick check around your home to ensure electrical devices are switched off or unplugged will help reduce your energy consumption.
Get a Thermostat
According to Neeeco’s mass save energy assessment, Installing a thermostat in your home enables you to set a temperature that suits your needs. You can pick a comfortable temperature when you are at home, but not waste energy when away from your property. While each homeowner is different, it’s advised by the Department of Energy to set your air conditioning at 74 degrees and heating at 68 degrees. Doing so will not only maintain a comfortable temperature in your property, but reduce your energy consumption.
Change Your Air Filter
Changing your air filter will not only ensure cleaner, healthier, and fresher air, it can also contribute towards reducing your energy consumption, with the Department of Energy stating that you can reduce your energy usage by up to 15%. Replacing your air filter will be better for everyone who lives in your home, especially the elderly and children who may suffer from allergies or asthma. There are websites like FilterBuy that you can use to purchase new air filters. You may want to consider using this provider as they are known for their excellent customer service and have 100+ air filter sizes to choose from.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
The light bulbs you use in your home can have a huge effect on how much you pay out in energy each month. Making the change and purchasing energy-efficient light bulbs can be an effective way to save money on your energy bills. If you’re serious about reducing your energy consumption, LED light bulbs are known to last far longer than halogen or incandescent bulbs, as well as potentially save you up to 5% on your average household’s energy consumption. LED light bulbs also provide greater design flexibility and can work in extreme temperatures.
Consider Energy Efficient Appliances
While you don’t have to instantly replace your appliances with energy efficient ones, if you’re needing a new microwave or refrigerator, it’s best to look out for energy saving products that can reduce your energy consumption. Just like with LED lightbulbs, make sure to spot the trusted Energy Starr label. Appliances that have this stamp of approval are known to use up to half of the energy when compared to an inefficient alternative. While an energy efficient appliance may be costly at first, you will save a great deal of money on your energy bills in the long run.
Insulate Your Home
If your property has poor insulation, you may find that a ton of the energy used to cool and heat your home goes to waste. If you have noticed a stark increase in your energy consumption, you may want to consider investing in insulating your home. The most important areas of the home to insulate are the roof and attic, however, you may want to go one step further and insulate the floors and walls of your property. Doing this will not only reduce the flow of air that comes in from the outside of your home, it will give you more control over the temperature.
Be Savvy with Water
If you’re prone to leaving the water running as you brush your teeth, you may not be aware of how much money you could be wasting on your energy bills. The Washington Post estimates that we waste close to a trillion gallons of water each year in the US. To reduce your energy consumption, installing low-flow devices for your toilet and shower is advised.
Perform a Home Energy Audit
If you’re struggling on where to begin, performing a home energy audit may be the best place to start. A home energy audit will uncover hidden problems, monitor how much energy you consume, and establish what improvements or repairs need to be made to increase your home’s energy efficiency. There is the option to go down the DIY route or hire a professional to come in and help.
If you’re on a tight budget and want to reduce your energy consumption, all the tips listed above can help save you money on your energy bills each month.
