7 Savvy Tricks For Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Climate change has been taking its toll slowly, so if we all want to do something about it, it is important to start with ourselves. Expecting big businesses and corporations to cave in just because we protest, march and hold signs is naive, but we can all do things that have a significant impact on the environment. Only if we start on the individual level, it is possible to see some visible changes. For example, making your home more energy efficient is a perfect place to start, so for that reason, here are some smart tricks that will help you make that happen:
Be careful with your device usage
We often tend to take our home devices and appliances for granted, which leads us to use them incessantly or even worse, leave them turned on once we’re finished using them. Turning off the devices completely will save you a lot of energy in the long run, mainly due to the fact that devices tend to use the power even when only plugged into the socket. Of course, plugging your devices in and out can be exhausting, so getting smart plugs that switch off the devices that are out of use can be a great way to reduce your energy consumption.
Try to produce less waste
There are many benefits to producing less waste: you spend less on insignificant things, while also helping the planet by keeping it cleaner. So, it doesn’t matter whether you opt for composting, recycling or something else, as long as you aim to cut your waste. Besides, creating less trash will also reduce your energy costs, and keep your home less cluttered. And living in a simpler home will definitely require less maintenance, and additionally, reduce the energy bills.
Consider switching to renewable energy sources
Out of all energy sources, solar energy is truly renewable, which makes it a great eco-friendly option. So, choosing to go solar can be a wise eco-friendly decision, and if you’re looking to that, it’s important to remember that having a functional solar system will improve your solar power use. Therefore, opting for the best solar inverter will get you valuable feedback, which can also help you lessen your dependence on a regular grid.
Learn the importance of being organised
Before you start saving on your energy bills, it’s important to determine how much you spend each month. Running the numbers will give you a clear picture of what you need to improve, so you will be prepared. You can also hire an energy auditor who will evaluate your energy consumption, or in case you’re more tech-savvy, download apps and other software that can help you manage your energy use while also giving you tips on how to improve your lifestyle.
Think about insulating your home
Home insulation can be beneficial for everyone: you will spend less on heating bills, simultaneously producing less energy directly benefiting the environment. The best place to start is, of course, the attic, followed by windows. In case you can’t afford to seal everything, then make sure to do the windows, so you will need less heating to warm all the rooms in your home. This will be useful in the winter, especially if you live in a place with cooler temperatures.
Use green and recycled building materials
If you’re planning to build your home from scratch or to renovate it to give it a modern look, it is important to start using materials that are eco-friendly and durable. Therefore, opting for recycled materials is a logical step. This is sometimes necessary because using such materials can grant points with green building certification programs. So, for example, choosing a versatile structural steel frame for your home is cost-effective and eco-friendly move, so before you start working on the construction or renovation, always make sure to check if there are any recycled/green building materials available.
Change the way you wash and dry your clothes
The biggest part of laundry machine energy consumption is heating the water, so choosing to wash clothes in cold water can make a big difference. There are even detergents that work only in cold water, which is a great improvement. However, when it comes to clothes drying, it is a bit more challenging to reduce the costs, but keeping the dryer clean and adding a couple of wool drying balls to speed up the drying process might help you reduce the energy time and costs. If you have enough space, it is best to use a clothes drying rack, at least for linens and other large fabrics.
These tricks will surely improve the way you use energy, which will also have a positive effect on your bills. Producing and consuming less energy will also benefit the environ