Is Your Careless Energy Consumption Costing Our Planet?
In our daily lives, we require energy for nearly every activity we do. Watching television, washing clothes, cooking, working on a computer, lighting the house, showering and charging devices are some basic ways we use energy.
But has energy become such an ingrained part of our lives that we’ve taken it for granted? Carelessly consumption of energy not only inflates your energy bills but also impacts the environment.
According to Neeeco’s Mass Save program, Overconsumption creates a toll on natural resources and increases the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is one of the prime reasons for the growing climate change issues.
Whether you want to minimize your energy bills, preserve our planet or both, here are some ways you can make your home energy efficient.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Develop the habit of adjusting your thermostat whenever you leave the house. When you leave for work, lower the thermostat by three to five degrees. This small change will allow you to enjoy energy savings.
If this feels like too much work or you’re forgetful, then consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Switch to Renewable Energy
Generating conventional sources of energy is harmful to the environment. It involves burning fossil fuels, which pollute the atmosphere.
For the wellbeing of our planet, switch to a renewable energy plan. Solar, wind and hydro energy are some sustainable options. You can easily compare gas and electric plans to find an eco-friendly alternative.
Fix Faucets & Showerheads
Ignoring a leaky tap or a faulty shower is blatantly wasting water. Get a plumber to fix and replace all faulty faucets and toilets. Also, it would be much better to install a low-pressure shower head that is water efficient.
Upgrade Appliances & Lighting Fixtures
When buying appliances, always check their energy star rating. Higher the rating, the more energy-efficient is the appliance.
Moreover, replace incandescent bulbs and CFLs with LED lighting fixtures. LED lights are durable and energy-efficient.
Unplug Appliances
From a printer to a television, always unplug appliances when not in use. Certain vampire appliances use energy even when they’re “off” or on standby mode.
Apart from this, you should be diligent about switching off lights, air conditioning, and other devices.
Install Proper Insulation
Your energy consumption will automatically increase if your house can’t retain energy. Make sure your house is properly insulated to prevent unnecessary energy loss. Particularly, attic, walls and crawl spaces should be well insulated to save energy and lower utility bills.
Maximize Natural Light
Not only is natural light free, but it also plays a role in improving productivity and lifting mood. If possible, renovate your interiors to incorporate windows and skylights. This is a cost-effective way to light your interiors and save money on electricity bills.
Conduct a Power and Energy Audit
Understandably, it can be difficult to determine the energy inefficiencies of your home. You should involve a professional energy auditor to evaluate where your home is lacking in terms of energy efficiency. An expert evaluation will help you identify the areas of improvement and saving opportunities.
Conserve Water
Learn ways to conserve water in your everyday life. This includes turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers. You should also install a water-efficient dishwasher and recycle water whenever possible.
Reform Laundry Practices
Instead of doing laundry every other day, do a big load of laundry every week. Also, try washing clothes with cold water and line drying them instead of using a dryer.
The Bottom Line
Even though these changes might seem quite simple or small, if all of us implemented them, they can bring about a significant change. None of these is mandatory, but it’s high time for us to do our part in preserving our planet.
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