Most people take pride in the fact they care about our environment and that they try to do their part to preserve it whenever possible. But simply caring and actively seeking out ways to conserve energy is two different things. This is not to say people aren’t trying to conserve energy, we’re just saying that if you really want to make an impact, you have to actively seek out energy conservation tips that will actually make a difference.
Conserving energy will help you lower your carbon footprint, which in turn will help protect our environment. There are many people who do the basics when it comes to conserving energy, but there a number of other extremely easy methods of conserving energy you can use at home that will add up to significant savings while making a big impact on the environment.
Here are some energy conservation tips you can use at home to lower your carbon footprint and make a real impact on our environment.
How Can I Adjust My Heating and Cooling Habits to Conserve Energy?
Adjusting your heating and cooling habits is one of the best ways to make a dent in your energy bills each month. And most of these changes are barely noticeable once you implement them.
Ceiling Fans. In the summer, you can switch your ceiling fan blades to turn in a counter-clockwise manner. And in the winter, you can switch your ceiling fan blades to turn in a clockwise manner and run them at lower speeds.
HVAC System. Change your HVAC system’s filters at least once each month to keep it running at peak performance. Additionally, you should have a professional inspect and tune-up your system annually to help avoid any potential problems that could ultimately raise your electric bill.
Windows and Window Coverings. Seal around all windows to keep air from leaking out. Use sun blocking shades, blinds or drapes to keep your home from overheating in the summer. You could also install an awning over your windows or plant shade trees near your home to give it more protection from the sun.
Raise or Lower the Temperature On Your HVAC System. Raising or lowering the temperature just a few degrees on your HVAC system will drastically lower your energy bills and your body will quickly adjust to the change.
Install a Programmable Thermostat. A programmable thermostat will adjust your home’s temperature to turn on and off based on a set schedule, which will save you money by not using it when you’re not home.
Insulate Your Walls and Attic Space. Inject your walls with foam insulation to keep the outside air from seeping in. You can also have some R-30 insulation installed in your attic to reduce your home’s energy costs.
Test and Repair All Leaky HVAC Ducts. Repairing your HVAC ducts will prevent wasted energy from the heating and cooling that’s leaking out of your air ducts and into the attic.
What Types of Lighting Adjustments Can I Make To Reduce My Energy Consumption?
We have several energy conservation tips for you concerning lighting adjustments you can make that will help reduce your carbon footprint. You can start by changing all your light bulbs to CFL bulbs. They give out the same amount of light and are more efficient than traditional bulbs. Install motion-sensing lights for your outdoor lighting needs. Replace the five most commonly used light fixtures in your home with ENERGY STAR products. If everyone in America did this, we would save approximately $80 billion per year in energy costs.
How Can I Make Sure I’m Saving Energy When Using My Appliances?
Using your appliances the right way will help you conserve energy while saving you loads of money. Here are some energy conservation tips you can implement to help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your utilities.
- Use your microwave or toaster oven instead of your conventional oven whenever possible.
- Eliminate your second freezer or refrigerator that sits in your hot garage if you can.
- Replace the seals on your refrigerator door if you can feel cold air when the door is closed and dust the coils behind your refrigerator so that it doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Wash and dry several loads of laundry at once and try not to over dry your clothes to avoid wasting energy. You should also vent your dryer to the outside to reduce the workload on your HVAC system and clean the dryer filter after every load.
- Allow the dishes in your dishwasher to air dry.
- Keep your oven door closed while baking. Every time you open the door your oven loses about 25 degrees. In the summer you could grill outside to save more energy, as well.
What Can I Do To My Roof To Help Conserve Energy?
A great way to conserve energy is to apply a reflective coating to your roof as this will decrease the amount of heat that seeps into your house. Additionally, reflective roofs also reduce heat build-up and prevent much of the expansions and contractions that breakdown roofing material. And lastly, you can install a roof that has an ENERGY STAR label, which will help save energy while protecting the environment.
What Can I Do To My Water Heater To Make It More Energy Efficient?
Selecting the right water heater for your needs or installing a tankless water heater are great ways to conserve energy and save money. Always wash your clothes in cold water. Today’s laundry detergents work equally as well in cold water and you could save about 40 cents per load. Install a water heater timer that will turn your water heater on an off during select times during the day and at night based on your needs. Lower the temperature of your water heater to about 120 degrees. Install a solar water heater. Put a water heater insulation blanket around the tank. Take shorter showers and inspect your hot water pipes for leaks.
What Else Can I Do To Lower My Carbon Footprint?
There are many energy conservation tips you can implement that will save energy, but you have to look at what you have in your particular home then seek out energy saving solutions for your specific needs. For example, your electronics use quite a bit of energy, even when they’re turned off, so why not install a power strip and turn it off when your electronics are not in use. If you need a new computer, why not consider buying a laptop versus a desktop because they use less energy. And always unplug your battery chargers when they’re not in use. And lastly, when purchasing a new TV look for an ENERGY STAR qualified one because they can be up to 30 percent more efficient than one that’s not ENERGY STAR rated.
2 Point Highlight
1. Conserving energy will help you lower your carbon footprint, which in turn will help protect our environment.
2. There are many people who do the basics when it comes to conserving energy, but there are a number of other extremely easy methods of conserving energy you can use at home that will add up to a significant savings while making a big impact on the environment.
