Reducing energy usage in the home is an important way to save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many sources of energy loss in the home, and by identifying and addressing these sources, you can significantly reduce your energy usage. Here are 8 ways to reduce energy usage around the home:
- Use energy-efficient appliances: Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which means they meet energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and can save you money on your energy bills.
- Unplug electronics when not in use: Many electronics, even when turned off, continue to draw power from outlets. Unplugging these devices when they’re not in use can help reduce energy usage.
- Use LED light bulbs: LED light bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are a more energy-efficient choice for lighting your home.
- Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set your home’s temperature to adjust automatically based on your schedule. This can help you save energy by not heating or cooling your home unnecessarily when you’re not there.
- Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can save energy and reduce your energy bills.
- Use power strips: Power strips allow you to turn off multiple devices at once, which can be more convenient than unplugging each device individually. They also allow you to turn off devices that may still be using standby power, which can help reduce energy usage.
- Use natural light: During the day, try to take advantage of natural light by opening windows and using light-colored window treatments. This can help reduce the need for artificial lighting, which can save energy.
- Seal air leaks: Air leaks around windows and doors can let in drafts and cause your home to lose heat in the winter or gain heat in the summer. Sealing these leaks can help improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Energy.gov is the Department of Energy website that is a great resource for additional information including potential tax credits.
