If you're looking to boost your sustainability this year, focusing your efforts on energy efficiency can help cut back on operational costs while bettering your relationship with the environment. There are many ways you can reduce energy use, but if you don’t know where to start, these few tips outlined below can help you get on track to a more energy-efficient lifestyle.
1. Swap Out Your Bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs use a tremendous amount of energy compared to their energy-efficient counterparts. Ninety percent of their energy is given off as heat, meaning that 90 percent is wasted, both financially and environmentally. There are energy-efficient lighting choices you could switch out your current traditional incandescent bulbs with, those being Halogen Incandescents, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Although these options will have a price tag higher than traditional incandescent bulbs, they save you money in the long run by using less energy and, in some cases, lasting much longer. Couple these energy-efficient lights with a shut-off timer or by choosing a dimming version to use when lower light levels are adequate.
Halogen Incandescents have an inner capsule that holds a halogen gas around its heated filament to improve the bulb's efficiency. While they are a better option than traditional incandescent bulbs, there are more energy-efficient options on the market today.
CFLs are curly versions of long tube fluorescent lights, and they can pay for themselves in about nine months due to the electricity they save. A CFL bulb uses around one-third of the energy compared to a Halogen Incandescent bulb and lasts ten times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb. However, they use a small amount of mercury, so they should be appropriately recycled when done being used.
LEDs use up to a quarter of the electricity pulled from traditional incandescents and up to thirty percent compared to Halogen Incandescents. In both comparisons, LEDs will last up to 25 times longer! They work well outdoors or indoors due to their durability, and for outside lighting, solar options are available to eliminate electric pull altogether. Although more expensive, LEDs will save you loads of money in the long run and help you lower your energy consumption significantly.
Need help choosing which light is best for each room in your home? Check this resource out.
2. Introduce "Smart Power Stips" Into Your Home/Business
Have you ever heard of phantom loads? This energy waster refers to appliances that pull energy even when they’re turned off. The U.S. Department of Energy states that an average of 75 percent of the energy used by home electronics and appliances is consumed while the device is in the off position. By removing these phantom loads (sometimes referred to as "vampire loads"), a household can cut their energy usage by 5-15 percent and save as much on their energy bill. Smart Power Stips (or Advanced Power Stips) can detect when an electronic device is in standby mode and cut the power off entirely, either automatically or on a schedule, depending on the Smart Strip you choose.
3. Manage Water Usage
Hot water uses more energy than cold water, so switching your habits to washing linens in cool or cold water will save a lot of energy. Water heaters are big energy suckers, and sometimes a water heater's thermostat is turned up higher than necessary. Check the setting to see if turning it down a few notches may still work for you and ensure your water heater and pipes are adequately insulated. Low-flow faucets are another method of cutting back on energy and water waste as the average low-flow faucet will cut water usage down by about 30 percent. When you use less hot water, your water heater isn't pulling as much energy, putting dollars back in your pocket and lessening your energy consumption.
4. Weatherize Your Space
By ensuring your windows and doorways are sealed appropriately, you will keep your A/C and heater from overworking and pulling more energy than necessary. When not in use, you can also close your chimney flue to prevent cold air from entering from above. Additionally, check your attic opening, electrical outlets along exterior walls, water spigots, dryer vents, and air conditioner hoses for drafts.
5. Install Programmable Thermostats
While you're away or sleeping, you can eliminate wasteful energy use from heating and cooling, coupling your efforts to weatherize your space. According to Energy.gov, by turning back your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day (like during work hours or while you're sleeping), you can save as much as 10 percent on heating and cooling. By installing programmable thermostats, your house will automatically adjust the internal temperature based on your schedule.
Aside from these five great tips, there are many other ways to reduce your energy consumption, like installing a solar system or switching your appliances and electronics to energy-efficient versions. If funds are a hurdle, chipping away at it as your budget allows will help cut your operational costs and shrink your environmental footprint. It's commendable to take sustainability into your own hands, so if you have other energy-saving tips you'd like to share, please leave a comment on this post.
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