According to the Energy Saving Trust of UK, you can save as much as USD 100 per year by making your house energy efficient.
But what does it mean to be energy efficient? It means using household items that have the same function for half the energy consumption.
For one, an energy-efficient home allows you to save money from your electric bills. Another reason is that you can receive tax relief. Lastly, it has a less negative impact on the environment.
Luckily, you do not have to renovate the house just to energy proof it. You can make some simple changes to consume less energy and save more money on your bills.
Let Natural Light In
If you want to have an energy-efficient home that does not cost a dime, all you need to do is open the blinds and let the natural light in.
For one, natural light allows you to brighten a space without the need to switch on the light. Hence, it helps you reduce energy consumption.
Moreover, natural light allows you to brighten your mood.
The sun produces Vitamin D, and studies have shown that it can help us regulate our mood. It also helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Switch to LED or CFL Bulbs
Replacing your fluorescent lights with something like LED or CFLs is one of the simplest ways to have an energy-efficient home.
It requires less electricity, and only 5% of those are lost to generate heat. Another reason is that LED and CFLs do not contain mercury, a highly toxic substance.
Lastly, LED bulbs are long-lasting lighting products. It lasts 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb. This means that while LED bulbs can be pricey, you can make the most out of it.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Do you think it is about time to replace your fridge? Consider switching to an energy-efficient model. That’s because home appliances consume around 13% of total household energy.
How would you know when an appliance is energy-efficient? Look for the Energy Star label. This label is a federal guarantee that the fridge (or other appliances) you want to buy consumes less energy.
The only caveat in buying energy-efficient appliances is that they have a hefty upfront cost. However, you should consider two things:
- The initial purchase price or how much the appliance costs
- The annual operating cost or how much the appliance cost based on average yearly kilowatt consumption
This means that while an energy-efficient fridge can be expensive, you can reap your return on investment within a couple of years.
If you want to know how much your appliance’s energy consumption costs, check out this energy calculator by the US Department of Energy.
Find Better Ways to Insulate Your Home
The US Department of Energy revealed that home insulation takes the most energy consumption at 35% – 40%. So, if you want to have an energy-efficient house, you can do the following:
- Check for Drafts. When the weather starts to cool down, families tend to ramp up the indoor temperature. And this can be costly. Thus, check your doors and windows for drafts to ensure that no warm air escapes your house.
- Install a Ceiling Fan. Ceiling fans can help you cool down your house without consuming too much energy like an air conditioner.
- Have a Programmable Thermostat. A programmable thermostat can detect the temperature in your home and adjust it accordingly. It also does the same when it detects that no one is at home.
- Change Your Filters. Whether you own disposable or permanent air filters, a clean filter allows the air to pass through. This ensures that your house is adequately insulated without ramping up costs.
Use Smart Power Strips
Just because you turned off your TV does not mean it no longer consumes electricity.
The energy consumed while your appliances are turned off or on standby are called “phantom load.” And 75% of the energy used to power household electronics are a phantom load.
If you want to save up on energy use, consider using smart power strips.
This device shuts off your household electronics when not in use. There are also power strips that you program to turn off devices at any given time or using a remote.
A few simple changes can help you save money.
Bring Your Duster Out
You are likely using a vacuum when cleaning your house.
Say you are using a 1400-watt model for an hour every week. Considering that the average electricity cost per kilowatt-hour is USD 13.19, it means that you are consuming around USD 900 per year.
On the other hand, it also means that you can save that much if you opt to use your duster, chamois, natural cleaning agents, and mop and broom when cleaning.
We also recommend these energy-efficient cleaning tips to our clients at Maid Sailors Home Cleaning Services NYC:
- Run your dishwasher only when it is fully-loaded
- Wash your laundry using cold water
- Dry your laundry under the sun
Use Solar Panels
If you are considering renovating your house, consider adding solar panels.
For one, it allows you to use a renewable energy source. After all, solar panels harness solar energy. And because you use solar energy to power your house, you are making less electric consumption. As a result, you can reduce your electric bill.
Lastly, solar panels are used for various purposes. It helps you produce energy to power your appliances or distill water.
Why Should You Conserve Energy?
There are three fundamental reasons you should go for an energy-efficient home:
- Save Money. When you consume less power, that means you are reducing the bills you have to pay.
- Increased Property Value. You may not know it, but making energy-efficient updates to your house can increase its market value.
- Save the Environment. Energy consumption is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. If you want to reduce your contribution, consume less energy.
These three things can be your motivation to have an energy-efficient home.
Moreover, you do not have to make drastic changes to be energy-efficient. You can start with opening your windows to let the natural light in. And then slowly transform your house when you have the budget.
