Simple Changes To Save Big On Energy Around Your Home
In these modern times, we have become accustom to many conveniences; however, they can be very costly to the environment as well as to your budget. Start thinking about simple changes you and your family can make around your house that can add up to major benefits and a much greener world.
1. Stop using archaic light bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs use as much as 75 percent more energy than the latest compact fluorescent bulbs and don’t last nearly as long. New CFLs save about $40 each over the course of their lives and don’t generate nearly as much heat as the old bulbs. This makes them safer to use, and they won’t interfere with home cooling measures either.
2. Turn things off when not in use. This can be a tiresome goal to reach, but the savings in costs and energy make it worthwhile. Shut lights and other small appliances off when you exit a room and even consider unplugging the ones that will draw energy even though they are not turned on. Every little bit helps and in the case of lights and small appliances, it could add up to big money for you over the course of a year.
3. Consider a few solar panels. The government offers grants that can cover the cost of installation, and your local power company may even buy your excess energy from you. That is on top of being able to power a number of items in your household at zero cost. Look into your options and calculate the potential savings.
4. Make sure your insulation is adequate. Poor insulation lets too much of your heated air out in the winter and cool air in summer; stop this waste by updating the insulation in all key areas of your home. The attic is especially prone to drafts, as are areas where a lot of piping goes through the home’s structure. Consult with an energy specialist to determine how insulation can work best for you. In the long run, you will save a lot more than you spend.
5. Buy rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Especially if you have children in the household, small gadgets that need new batteries every other week abound. Invest in a charger and purchase the special rechargeable batteries instead of the quicker option. Disposal of dead batteries is a major environmental concern, and most people don’t do it properly. You will also save a small fortune every year on batteries for those kid’s toys.
6. Put up a clothesline. Clothes can dry outside in nearly any climate, so long as there is no falling precipitation. They smell fresher and the sun works harder at brightening and stain removal than nearly any chemical you can buy. Your dryer is a huge burden to the cost of running your home, and if a simple clothes line will suffice, why keep using an electric dryer?
Once you adopt these simple changes, you will see a dramatic drop in your energy bills! You can also be proud of the contributions you and your family are making to the environment for a long time to come.