How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Many people choose to ignore the obvious consequences of global warming because they think that they alone can’t do much about it. However, if everybody decides to do just a little bit, we can make an impact and preserve our environment. Moreover, living in the digital age also means that making changes is easier than ever before. With all that in mind, here’s how you can make your home more energy-efficient.
Adjust the thermostat
Many people tend to heat up their home a bit too much during colder months. However, lowering your thermostat even by just a few degrees can greatly reduce your utility bills. So, instead of turning your home into a sauna, heat it up enough to be comfortable while wearing clothes that actually fit the season. Moreover, if you know that you’ll be away from home for more than a few hours, lower your thermostat while you’re away. It might not seem like much, but turning this into a habit can make a difference when the bill comes.
Insulate your home
It won’t matter how high or low you set your thermostat if you let the warmth escape – you’ll simply never be comfortable enough, or you’ll end up wasting energy. Therefore, make sure your home is well insulated. Besides the general insulation, you should also check your doors and windows, as people often neglect those areas. If you notice any cracks, make sure to seal them. For example, you can install weather stripping around your windows, and you can use thicker carpets and curtains, as well.
Change your energy provider
Not many people would consider this idea, as it’s simply easier sticking to the provider you have. However, there’s competition in every business field, including this one. This means that some providers might offer you a better deal. So, save time and effort by comparing energy plans with iSelect, and you should have no trouble choosing the best provider for your home.
Install water-saving fixtures
Even though there’s nothing wrong with having a long bath once in a while – when you really need a way to relax after a long day – you shouldn’t do this too often. Taking shorter showers instead can help you save water. Additionally, you can also install low-flow showerheads, which can boost your home’s water efficiency even further. Speaking of bathroom fixtures, you can install a dual-flush toilet, too, which has two different flush options depending on how much water you need. A tap aerator is another thing you should consider, as it can help you save a significant amount of water.
Change your own habits
The efficiency of your home greatly depends on your own habits as well. As mentioned, one of those habits is taking baths, and even if you do like them, you should still try to limit them to only once or twice a month. Moreover, when brushing your teeth or shaving, don’t let the water run the whole time. Also, make it a habit to turn the lights off when leaving an empty room as well as to unplug your appliances when you’re done using them.
Use LED lights
It’s a well-known fact by now that LED lights last longer and thus, can save you a lot of energy and money in the long run. Some people are hesitant about buying them because of their price, but rest assured that switching to LED lights would pay off in more ways than one. That being said, there’s no cheaper light than natural light, so try to let in as much of it as you can during the day. Plus, if you happen to be a morning person, adjust your habits so you can do most of your work while you have enough natural light.
Making your home more energy-efficient is easier than you might think. True, it does take some effort and investment, but once you do everything you can, all that’s left is reaping the benefits for years to come. Therefore, think about the listed suggestions, apply them to your home, and the results will show in no time.