Saving Energy at Home

There’s no upside to wasting energy. When we are inefficient with our electrical lighting, our heating and cooling systems, and other vital home systems, we hurt our environment and lose money at the same time. That’s lose-lose. As a homeowner or a renter, you’ll want to do your best to ensure that you’re saving as much energy as possible in your home. And there’s a lot of room for improvement: the United States is one of the 10 least energy-efficient nations on Earth. Here are some of the things that you should consider as you aim for a more energy-efficient home — and, therefore, a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly one.

Electricity and waste

Your home most likely gets its power from the local electrical company, and therefore from the local power plant. You may not see that electricity be generated, but trust the experts: Power plants of all types take their toll on the environment. So when you waste electricity, you’re wasting our planet’s resources.

You’re also wasting money, of course. Your electrical company charges you based on how much electricity you actually use. So what can you do?

Start with the obvious: turn off the lights when you leave a room. Using simple tricks to remember to turn off your lights can save you real cash. Some folks post their utility bills on their fridges as reminders, while others use sensors to turn lights off automatically.

Some things will use electricity no matter what. You’re not going to live without your dryer or your oven, for instance. But making key upgrades to your appliances can be a great way to get a more cost-effective solution. Invest in better appliances or repair your old ones – you can go to Master Electrical Service for further information with regards to repair services. You want to ensure that they’re as energy-efficient as possible, and you’ll be saving the environment and your bank account, too.

Air conditioning and heat

Air conditioning and heating are essential things for a comfortable house. But not all HVAC systems are created equal, caution the experts at Affordable Air and Heat. An inefficient system can cost you dearly.

You should be investing in quality HVAC systems for your home, and you should be sure to reach out to the experts for regular maintenance and upkeep. Nobody wants to spend money to fix up their home, but investing in proactive repairs and preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run. Problems with your home’s systems tend to get larger, not smaller — and that means that they tend to get more and more costly to fix, too. Plus, HVAC systems will save you money when they run more efficiently. Every day that you postpone repairs, you cost yourself more money in wasted energy.

Insulation and more

Even the most efficient HVAC system can lead to you wasting money. Why? Because your perfectly warmed or cool air is only good if you can keep it. Poor insulation can be a big problem. It can mean that you’re paying to heat or cool the whole neighborhood — not exactly a winning proposition. To make the most of your HVAC systems, you’ll want to make sure that the inside air stays in while the outside air stays out.

That means quality insulation in your walls and in your attic and roof. It means checking for drafts in and around doors, windows, and other weak points. Even new siding can make a difference in how well your home retains your comfortable air.

When you combine quality insulation with great HVAC and other smart efficiency habits, you’ll get to keep more of your money while helping our planet.

Speak Your Mind

*