Energy efficient isn’t just some fancy term that companies use to describe the newest model of their products. Energy efficient is a way to measure the amount of energy your home uses, and improving its efficiency saves you money and helps to protect the environment. Unfortunately, too many people don’t know how to improve the energy efficiency of their home. If you want maximum energy efficiency and to reduce carbon footprint at home, you will need to implement the following tips:
- Upgrade older appliances with Energy Star models. Energy Star models are well known for their energy efficiency and can go a long way to reducing your carbon footprint and lowering utility bills.
- Properly seal and insulate. When your home is properly sealed and insulated, you will reduce air leaks and drafts. Not only does this help to make your home more comfortable throughout the year, but it also reduces your energy consumption.
- Turn off lights. While this is generally easier said than done, if you can get in the habit of flipping the lights off as you leave the room, you could see a rather large savings. Furthermore, use energy efficient LED light bulbs, which use less electricity to operate than traditional bulbs.
- Install a programmable thermostat. These nifty devices are hooked up to your HVAC system and allows you to set a certain time for the heat or air conditioner to kick on and off. Furthermore, make sure to lower the temperature settings in the winter – and raise them in the summer – when you’re not home.
- Reduce the temperature on your hot water tank. Most energy efficiency experts recommend turning the temperature of your hot water tank down to 125-degrees. This is typically sufficient enough for most individuals and will still help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Recycle and reuse. According to statistics, about 29-percent of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by provision of goods. When you recycle and reuse, you can dramatically reduce you and your family’s carbon footprint.
- Supper local and organic farming. Not only does this help to improve your community and the small businesses in your area, but it also better for the environment.
- Implement solar power. While most homeowners cannot afford to make solar power their sole source of energy, there are ways you can use it to help lower your energy consumption. For example, replace electricity-powered outdoor lightning with models that run on solar power.
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