Going energy-efficient is more than just a trend that would fizzle out eventually. More people have come to realize the fact that such an expensive life essential, using energy, can actually become wallet-friendly — and that by doing so, you’re helping the environment. The financial comfort and the sense of participating in a greater cause make being energy-savvy a life standard to live by for years.
You don’t have to tear down your house and do an overhaul to make it energy-efficient. There are simple upgrades that can make a big impact on your finances and less on your carbon footprint. Here are some of them.
Use Smart Window Treatments
Windows are notorious for being primary sources of major heat loss at home. That’s why it’s important to insulate it properly, and more importantly, use smart window treatments. Take a cue from savvy New Jersey homeowners who use motorized blinds.
This fixture is a default in energy-efficient homes because it slashes a significant portion of heating and cooling costs. Once you properly hook up your motorized blinds with your smart home system, the former will adjust independently to temperature and sunlight, closing itself on the hottest parts of the day and opening up on the coolest. This reduces the need to run your HVAC system for a longer time, cutting down your electricity costs.
Switch to LED
Old incandescent bulbs are one of the biggest energy leechers. LEDs consume less energy and often last for approximately 25,000 hours, so they’re a better option than your incandescent. There’s also a variety of colors to choose from in LED, so you won’t have to get stuck with your plain, old white.
You can use LEDs in a variety of applications. You may have them under kitchen cabinets as task lighting or use them as dimmers in your bedroom to create the mood. Or, make your LED chandelier the focal point of the living room. Of course, you don’t have to replace everything in your home in one sweep. Take baby steps. Make the switch on lights you use frequently. Such small changes can still result in big gains.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
What many homeowners don’t know is that the bulk of their energy costs is spent (or wasted) on heating and cooling unoccupied spaces at home or unnecessary situations, like for when you’re sleeping or out for work. With a programmable thermostat, you can save up to 30% on heating and cooling expenses, as you’re able to have climate control indoors more easily.
Set the temperature on frequently occupied and unoccupied areas. Adjust your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home, and then lower it a bit when you’re asleep or outside of the house. Be consistent in your settings. Drastic changes will only hike up your energy costs.
Again, energy-efficiency isn’t just a fad. With its financial benefits and eco-friendly contributions, it’s a life standard homeowners aspire to achieve. Start small in your energy-savvy efforts. Go for simple that makes it big.
