10 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Energy Consumption
Saving energy is not only better for the planet, but it can also save you money! Here are 10 simple tips to help you reduce your energy consumption and build a better world.
There are many reasons to take steps to reduce your energy consumption. Not only will it save you money, but it can also contribute to a healthier planet. Just by making eco-conscious choices and taking some simple steps to save more energy in your daily life, you can make a substantial difference in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere every year.
For example, according to the EPA, 13% of US greenhouse gas emissions come from energy used in the production and transport of food. Simply by switching some of your shopping habits to include more locally grown foods, you can have a positive impact on the planet.
Here are 10 more tips for reducing your energy consumption – while saving money at the same time:
1. Get a home energy audit done
…A professional energy auditor will examine each room of your house and use specific energy assessment tests to determine where a home is expending unnecessary energy, so you can take steps to improve your efficiency.
2. Choose energy efficient appliances
If you are building a new house or are planning to upgrade your existing one to include new fixtures, choose electrical appliances which have the highest energy rating….
3. Ensure proper maintenance of your heating and cooling systems
Annual maintenance of your heating and cooling systems can make a huge difference to your energy consumption…. If you live in a house with forced-air heating and cooling, make sure that there are no leaks in the ducts….
4. Improve sealing and insulation
Improve sealing and insulation around the external shell of your house with special attention to leaky doors and windows and problem areas like the attic and garage to avoid too much of air flow in or out of the house….
5. Heat or cool only those sections of home which are needed
You can prevent unnecessary energy consumption by heating and cooling only those parts of your home which see regular traffic…. But take care to remember that…some high efficiency HVAC systems may not operate at their maximum potential if you close off too many vents or registers.
6. Switch it off at the plug
Many of us leave our televisions and computers on standby instead of switching them off at the plug when they are not in use….
7. Change lighting
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs which use 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs and also last much longer. Lighting control devices like dimmers, motion detectors and timers can also reduce wastage of energy and provide light only when you need it….
8. Plant a tree
Reduce energy consumption by planting a tree? Yes, it is possible. One tree planted at the right spot can reduce your home’s cooling costs by nearly a quarter. For best results, plant leafy shade trees to the south and west parts of your home….
9. Reduce water consumption
Make huge savings on water and utility bills by switching to showers instead of baths. Other water and energy-saving measures include installing low-flow shower heads in the bathroom and using aerators on kitchen sink faucets. Don’t forget to check all the faucets for drips and leaks.
10. In the kitchen
The kitchen is the hub of a home and a place where most homemakers spend their maximum time. By making a few changes in your cooking routines and optimizing the use of your existing kitchen appliances, you can make substantial savings in your home energy bills.
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Check out the full article at GreenHome.com for more information….
