Is your home a drain on the environment? Yes, but you can reduce the impact your house has on your surroundings and make your life easier at the same time.
Three of the most significant factors in your house’s environmental impact are your use of electricity, heating / cooling, and water. Consider the following options as a means to improve all three.
Adjust Your Electricity Use
Your electricity usage is one of the most substantial parts of your overall environmental impact. According to Omega, “switching to a green power program that draws on all renewable energy is one of the strongest ways you can personally take a stand for renewable energy.”
When it’s time to replace major appliances like your washing machine or refrigerator, choose models rated by the EPA as energy-efficient. To reduce your electricity use even more, consider swapping out incandescent light bulbs for an LED option. They not only use less electricity, but they also last much longer.
Decrease Your Heating and Cooling Needs
How you heat and cool your home makes a significant impact. The energy used is often more than half of your total energy costs. To help reduce it, adjust your thermostat by a few degrees. You may also want to have an energy efficient HVAC system installed and set up routine service to keep it working at its best.
Another way to decrease your heating and cooling needs is to make sure your house is sufficiently insulated in your attic, crawl spaces, and walls. If you can, upgrade your windows to an option with insulated glazing to reduce the weather’s impact on your home’s interior temperature.
Reduce Your Water Usage
Small adjustments to how you use water are simple and impactful. When running the dishwasher or washing machine, make sure you always have a full load before turning them on. Also, make sure to turn the water off when brushing your teeth and keep showers short.
Beyond those basics, upgrade your water-using appliances to Energy Star-rated options. Front loader washing machines use significantly less water than top loaders. You’ll not only save money each year operating them, but they’re better for the environment too.
Automate Your House
According to Cape Fear, a North Carolina-based air conditioning, heating, and electrical company, a home automation system can simplify your life and save you money while reducing the negative impact your home has on the environment.
When you install a smart thermostat, you can program your heating and cooling schedule to match your life. You can even have the house cooled down shortly before you arrive at home, instead of keeping it that way all day while it’s empty. If you install programmable lighting, you can have your lights turn on and off at the optimum times automatically, and you’ll never forget and leave an energy-draining light on when no one’s home.
Home automation systems can also help you track your energy use to help you identify other areas you can improve your home’s impact on the environment. While installation is an investment, over time you’ll save money on utilities, simplify your day, and be kinder to the environment.
Shift Frequency © 2018 – Is Your Home a Drain on the Environment?