Tips for an Energy Efficient Homes
In recent reports, experts found that the U.S. as a whole is less than 50% energy efficient. Other reports state that around 75% of produced energy gets lost before it even reaches a home. Those numbers indicate that the majority of the energy in the U.S. gets wasted. So, the question arises, how to make your home more energy efficient?
Many large corporations have made significant changes to reduce their energy consumption and make their companies more energy efficient. But as a homeowner, you may not know how your home can follow suit, and you may worry that you don’t have the money to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
However, if you focus on one aspect of your home at a time (such as the electrical system), you can affordably reduce your energy usage, lower your utility bills, and make your home use energy more effectively. In our blog below, we list several electrical-based tips on how to make your home more energy efficient.
1. Upgrade Old Appliances
Look at the appliances in your home. Have you used the same fridge, electric stove, and air conditioner since you moved into the building? Appliances become less energy efficient as they age. Additionally, parts and components on these appliances can deteriorate or malfunction, causing the unit as a whole to work less efficiently.
To lower your home’s energy use, upgrade any old or malfunctioning appliances. A newer model won’t have to use as much energy as an old one to function properly. Buy a new fridge, stove, cooling system, washer and dryer that fit your budget.
If you can, purchase Energy Star appliances to see an additional drop in your energy use-and a higher savings on energy costs.
If you aren’t sure which appliances best suit your budget and your family’s needs, talk to your electrician. He or she can recommend appliances that meet your requirements and finances. You can speak to a staff member at a local appliance store for similar recommendations.
2. Turn Off Unused Devices
You’d be surprised at how much energy gets wasted from unused electronics and devices. Walk through your home and see how many items are plugged into the outlet but not in use. Even if the devices aren’t on, they still use electricity.
Turn off any unused devices to lower your energy bill. Look throughout your home and shut down or unplug the following when they aren’t in use:
- Toasters
- Toaster ovens
- TVs
- Blenders
- Gaming systems
- Lamps
- Charging cables
- Battery chargers
- Slow cookers
- Electric can openers
- Stand mixers
- Hair appliances (such as curling irons and blow dryers)
To make turning off electronic devices easier, plug multiple items into a surge protector or other power strip. You simply have to turn off the switch on the power strip to shut off all of the electric devices at once.
3. Switch Out Your Lightbulbs
By now, you’ve likely heard that certain lightbulbs use less energy than other ones. For example, LED lightbulbs use about 85% less energy than traditional bulbs-and LEDs deliver the same amount of (if not more) light as their counterparts.
LED bulbs cost a little more money than traditional bulbs. However, LEDs have a long lifespan, which makes them a more cost-effective option. In fact, one LED lightbulb can save the average home $100 in energy costs in its lifetime. LED bulbs come in an array of colors so you can create a custom-lit look for your home.
Additionally, some utility companies offer rebates to homeowners who upgrade their bulbs to more energy-efficient models. Talk to your local municipality to see what (if any) rebates they offer before swapping out your lightbulbs.
4. Run Your Appliances Efficiently
Many Americans unknowingly waste electricity-and inefficiently used appliances are often the culprit. For example, you may only run a half-full dishwasher to get your dishes exquisitely clean. However, this cleaning method causes you to run several loads to clean all of your dishes, and you use more electricity as a result.
Instead, only run your dishwasher when it’s completely full. You don’t have to overstuff the trays, but do fill them with as many dishes as you can.
Additionally, you should wash full loads of laundry to reduce your electricity usage. For additional savings, wash your clothing in cold water if possible. Washers use a significant amount of energy to warm up the water, so using cold water instead will eliminate the need for extra electricity.
5. Take Advantage of the Sun
Another way on how to make home more energy efficient is by using your lights as little as possible. Rather than turn on lights and lamps throughout your home, open up the shades and let sun flow in through your windows. Natural light not only eliminates your need to use artificial, electrical light, but it can also promote good health.
Use the sun to light your home as much as possible. If you must use a lamp or overhead light to see properly inside, be sure to turn the light off as soon as you leave the room or no longer need the light.
Try the tips listed above to make your home more energy efficient. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save and how significantly you can lower your carbon footprint. Don’t forget to talk to your local electrical contractors to have them upgrade any electrical components in your home.
Be sure to visit our blog regularly for more tips and advice.
Attaboy Electrician Services Littleton serves the Denver metro area with superior quality and reliable residential electrician services. Our certified technicians and Master Electricians provide professional, affordable service and electrical repairs. Attaboy Electrician Services does home rewiring, electrical installations including breaker panels, electrical panel repairs, lighting installation services, and appliance installations. Call us today at (303) 288-2269 to schedule an appointment!