Most of us want to stop wasting money. We also want to save the environment. When your home becomes more energy efficient, everyone wins. In celebration of Earth Day, take a look at these ways to make your home more energy efficient and try implementing at least one by the end of the month. You’ll be surprised how a simple swap or integration of technology can transform the way you consume energy in your home.
Switch outdated appliances for new, energy-efficient models.
Whether it’s the mini-fridge in your home bar or your washer and dryer, older appliances could be hiking up your electricity bill and wasting energy. When you replace these machines with newer models, you get better functionality, sleeker features, and energy-saving options. That old double wall oven cabinet may be your favorite appliance, but it could also be the cause of your over-the-top electricity bill.
Small appliances can also be to blame, so look out for slow cookers, microwaves and other small appliances that have adopted smart technology. By using less and doing more, the appliances of the future check all of the boxes
Let the apps take control of your home.
Even with great intention, humans make mistakes. So it’s only natural that you leave the lights on sometimes or forget to turn the air up when you go out of town for the weekend. Smart homes eliminate room for human error by relying on technology to take control. Whether it’s turning off your lights or adjusting your air conditioner, you can now power your home through your phone thanks to apps and smart home technology.
Light can lead the way.
One of the easiest swaps you can make on the journey to a more energy-efficient home is your lighting. Rather than opting for traditional incandescent blubs, consider better lighting choices that last longer and use alternative energy to illuminate your home. These should be your bulb of choice whenever possible. Also be cognizant of lights in your wine storage cabinet or under wall cabinets. We sometimes forget about these “background” lights and leave them on unintentionally.
You may even want to consider lights that are triggered by motion. They can detect when someone has walked into the room, which is a nice welcome, and can also eliminate lights being left on unnecessarily.
One final way to save energy with lighting is finding out how to install a dimmer switch. Doing so allows you to control the amount of light and energy used to illuminate one room from the other.
Monitor your usage and adjust accordingly.
If you already have the new appliances and think your home has a green stamp of approval, you can find out for sure with the right energy-monitoring tool. Some utility companies can now provide you with insights on your monthly bill, so definitely take advantage of these features if they are offered. As an alternative, you can also invest in one of the tech tools that monitor energy usage by appliance. It never hurts to give your home a check up, even if you’re pretty sure that your energy levels are good.
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