Improving Your Energy Use at Home
Many people today are concerned with the legacy that we will leave future generations and the resources we are depleting in the environment. What many people don’t realize is that investing in a “greener” home will allow you to save money in the long run. Here are a few ideas on how to get started.
The first thing to do is to decide which appliances have the largest impact on your utility bills. For most people, this will be heaters, airconditioners, or washing machines. Whatever appliance is costing you the most in energy bills, that is the appliance you want to change to an energy saving brand first. Then, as your bills go down, you can put the money you save towards switching over your other appliances. Once you have replaced your main appliances with lower-energy options, you will start to see the savings add up.
For small electronics, it is possible to purchase solar panels that can charge your devices. This will reduce the amount you have to plug your electronics into the wall and prevent you from adding to your electricity bill each month.
Another way to save on your electric bill is to line dry your clothes. If you live in a house with a backyard, you can hang a line out back to dry clothes. If you get a lot of rain, you can put the line in your basement. For those of you who are short on space or live in the city, a drying rack can work just as well. Most drying racks only hold one load of laundry at a time, though, so plan ahead and rotate your lights and darks so that you can dry them at separate times.
Many people who are interested in the environment would view planting trees as a good thing. However, most people only think about the increased air quality that is created by having trees nearby. In fact, planting trees can help reduce the bills that result from heating and cooling your home. In the summer, trees will provide shade and through blocking the sun, will keep your home cooler. In the winter, the trees act as an insulator, blocking wind and helping trap the warm air in.
Even with the most advanced technology, you wont see a significant decrease in your energy bils unless you take action to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home. See if you can get into the habit of not only turning lights off when you aren’t using them, but unplugging appliances when they aren’t in use as well. You are using up energy just by having those appliances plugged into the wall. Also, try limiting the amount of time you let the water run when washing dishes, brushing your teeth, and washing your face.
It is never too early or too late to start reducing the amount of energy you use in your home. If you follow these tips, you will not only be helping the environment, but you will be able to save money as well. Start today and watch your energy bills start to go down.
