Although energy prices have been continuously rising, according to the Energy Information Administration, the average household power consumption has dropped by 2.3% since 2009. This means people are becoming more and more conscious of their energy use and how much it impacts their household budgets.
The increasing push towards sustainability is also worth mentioning. From governments and multinational corporations to small businesses and even homes, this trend is gaining traction. One major focus is energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency is one of the simplest ways to promote sustainability. And it also happens to help bring down costs.
So, if you want to make your home a more energy-efficient one, here are the top tips to help.
Turn Them Off
Although this is something you might already be used to doing by now, it is still worth listing. Turning off appliances when not in use is one of the easiest steps to a more energy-efficient home.
The growth of smart appliances and the internet of things has made this task even simpler. Now, you can remotely access anything from your lightbulbs to your toaster and make sure they’re turned off, especially when you are away from home.
Turning down the thermostat is a big energy conservation move. This may not be as appealing, especially if you live in a location with very low temperatures and you want to come home to a warm house. But enduring those few minutes can save you a lot of energy, and therefore, costs.
Test Your System
Having the electrical system inspected is an often overlooked step not only in making it more energy-efficient but more importantly in keeping it safe. Several companies offer EICR tests or Electrical Installation Condition Report tests that meticulously look into various components and features of these systems.
These reports detail important information about systems such as their inefficiencies and even potential dangers. They also have a list of recommendations and action plans to help property owners keep their electrical components safe and running at maximum efficiency.
Use LED Bulbs
A recent YouTube video explored how, for the longest time, lightbulbs have been designed to have extremely shorter lifespans than their potentials. This planned obsolescence has been going on since the 19th century.
Fortunately, LEDs are now mainstream. LEDs last longer, usually glow brighter, and yes, are more energy efficient compared to their halogen, incandescent, and even fluorescent counterparts. According to the Department of Energy, LEDs can last anywhere from three to 25 times longer while saving as much as 80% energy.
Smart LEDs can also be controlled remotely using apps. Not only does this allow users to customize colors to match their room’s designs, it also allows them to remotely control lights from their phone, helping households to be more energy-efficient.
Maintain Your Home
Gaps, holes, and damages in your windows, sidings, roofs, doors, and other parts of your home will keep your air-conditioning or heating systems working harder. Resealing these gaps is a relatively easy and cheap way to make your home more power-efficient.
Your HVAC system accounts for up to 40% of your household’s energy consumption. Keeping this down will significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and bring down your power costs.
But exterior gaps aren’t the only issues you need to address. Even simply keeping your gutters clear of debris, maintaining your pipes, or taking care of the insulation within your walls can help in making your home more energy-efficient and sustainable overall.
Take Away
Homeowners are now incentivized to keep their households more energy efficient, especially because of the cost-saving benefits. Fortunately, modern innovations, government policies, and best practices can help make this happen.
