As the world gradually becomes more eco-conscious, many of us are looking for effective ways to limit our carbon footprint.
Fortunately for cost-conscious eco warriors, it’s possible to save money while reducing the amount of energy your household uses. Better yet, many energy-saving solutions are affordable on even the most stringent budget. Homeowners who are serious about saving the planet – and saving a buck – are sure to appreciate the following pointers.
Look for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Unbeknown to many of us, most of the appliances we use on a daily basis use a lot more power than they should. From ovens to dishwashers to laundry machines, many of our modern-day essentials are bleeding us dry when it comes to energy costs. As such, it’s in the best interest of every eco-conscious homeowner to consider making the jump to energy-efficient appliances. As the name suggests, these appliances are designed to consume fewer resources while carrying out their respective functions. So the next time you find yourself in the market for new home appliances, keep an eye out for models that boast energy efficiency. While energy-efficient models tend to run a little pricier than traditional appliances, the reduced power consumption stands to save you a small fortune down the line.
Unplug Devices When They Aren’t in Use
Many of our appliances and home electronics expend most of their energy through phantom loads. If you’re unfamiliar, this term refers to energy that devices consume when they’re plugged in but not turned on. On average, three quarters of the energy used to power your favourite devices is consumed when they’re powered down. Not only is this a tremendous waste of electricity, it can also have a direct impact on your power bills. After all, why should you pay for electricity that you’re not actually using? With this in mind, make a point of unplugging your devices when they aren’t in use. The bigger the device, the larger its phantom loads. Since many of us are unaccustomed to regularly unplugging our electronics, doing so may initially strike you as cumbersome. However, after a few weeks of practice, unplugging devices that aren’t in use will seem like second nature.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows
If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme temperatures, your heating and cooling bills are probably through the roof. Keeping a mid-sized home nice and warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer can easily eat up hundreds of dollars a month. This is where energy-efficient windows enter the equation. These windows are designed to prevent air from escaping your home and can prove tremendously helpful in maintaining agreeable indoor temperatures. The more air escapes, the harder your central heater and air conditioner have to work. The harder those devices work, the more power they expend – and the more power they expend, the higher your monthly bills. By spending a little bit of money in the short term, you can save yourself a princely sum in the long run.
If you don’t have experience installing or replacing windows, this task is best left to seasoned pros. Fortunately for Convention City residents, finding local window installers with years of experience couldn’t be easier. Anyone looking for home window replacement in Denver can find a bevy of affordable contractors with a few simple clicks.
Swap Out Your Bulbs
Traditional light bulbs are gradually becoming relics of the past. Not only do they need to be replaced on a regular basis, they also consume a ton of power. On the flipside, energy-efficient bulbs like CLFs and LEDs use between 25 and 80 percent less electricity than their outdated counterparts. Additionally, while these bulbs cost a little more, their life spans are exponentially longer.
In recent years, people have become more aware of the direct effects their actions have on the environment. Although many of us engage in recycling and try to avoid driving whenever possible, we’re also in the dark when it comes to making our homes more eco-conscious. Since most modern-day leisure activities entail some degree of power consumption, it’s easy for people to throw up their hands and declare a reduction in energy use to be impossible. However, making your residence more energy-efficient is much easier than you may think. With the help of the tips discussed above, you can effectively reduce your home’s carbon footprint and boost your savings in the process.