The topic of climate has been on everyone’s minds recently. As the summers get hotter every year, more people are looking into how to fight the heat and reduce greenhouse gases. One way to do this on a personal level is to reduce your energy footprint.
Your energy footprint is how much energy is getting used in your house. Home energy efficiency can reduce that footprint. But what is energy efficiency and how do you use it in your daily life?
Here’s a guide to energy efficiency, the benefits you’ll see, and how to get started.
What Is Energy Efficiency?
The energy efficiency definition is described as using less energy for the same job. By using less energy, you can cut your energy bills and reduce your contribution to pollution.
Some examples of energy efficiency can be seen in the electronics you use. Modern LED light bulbs use much less energy than ordinary light bulbs. Smartphones are designed in such a way that they use less energy when they’re not being used, which means you have to recharge them less.
You can also increase your energy efficiency in more manual ways, such as turning off lights when you leave a room or running your air conditioner less.
Benefits
One of the main benefits of seeking energy efficiency in your life is to save on money. Most appliances in your house use electricity, and you have to pay to access that power. You’ve probably noticed how much higher your monthly bill is during the summer when you’re running the AC all day.
Home energy efficiency benefits more than just your energy bill, though. Green homes often use solar panels to generate power from the sun. That means you aren’t pulling extra electricity from the power grid.
Cities that use solar power create fewer greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Solar panels also lower overall electricity demand, which means less money needs to be spent on expanding power plants.
Methods
What is energy efficiency in practice, though? How does an individual implement it into their lives?
Cities around the world have implemented various ways to save energy in their operations. Some street security cameras run off of attached solar panels. There are tax breaks available for homeowners that use alternative energy sources.
Here are some of the different ways you can be energy efficient at home:
Energy-Efficient Technology
While using technology less will decrease your energy consumption, there are some things people can’t go without. Refrigerators, HVAC units, and lights all need electricity. Specialized energy-saving tech can lessen your impact on the environment.
Solar panels provide an optimal way to generate power outside of your electric grid. While it can be pricey at first, you’ll earn back the investment through tax breaks and lower energy bills.
Home energy efficiency can also improve using LED lights and smart power strips. LED uses less energy than traditional light bulbs. Smart power strips shut down power to devices when you aren’t using them.
Improve Your Windows
Your home’s windows are an important factor when it comes to saving energy. While they provide free light during the day, they also allow heat to go into and out of your house. By keeping your home at the desired temperature, you won’t have to run the AC or heat as often.
Thick, dark curtains can help block out light and keep your interior cool. You can also invest in double-pane windows to reduce heat transfer. They work by providing two layers of glass separated by a space between them.
Insulate
Another way to keep your home’s interior temperature from fluctuating too much is with insulation. Insulation keeps air from getting in and out, and it can also prevent heat transfer.
Insulate your walls, floor, attic, and more. You can also insulate your doorways and windows by adding weather strips.
Maintenance
A malfunctioning HVAC system can cause a lot of problems for your household. It can develop water leaks, run all day unchecked, or stop working altogether.
You should service your home air conditioning system at least once a year. Even if it’s running well, you never know when something will come loose or develop an issue. An HVAC system that isn’t running well will use up more energy without giving you the desired results.
Along the same lines, your ductwork might need replacing. Ductwork is made to last around 10 to 15 years before they start to develop problems. Patch jobs will only get you so far.
While it’ll cost you to replace it all, you can reduce your utility bills by as much as 20%.
If you spot any of the warning signs, make sure to contact your local HVAC repair company as soon as possible.
Smart Thermostat
Your thermostat may also be one of the reasons your HVAC system isn’t operating properly. A broken one can display false readings or not deactivate when it’s supposed to.
Upgrade your thermostat to a smart one for the best results. It’ll learn your schedule and balance temperatures in your home. Some also work with temperature sensors placed throughout your house.
Saving on Power
What is energy efficiency, in practice? How do you get more conscious about your energy use?
Reconsider how you use your appliances. Unplug devices that aren’t currently being used, including chargers. Look for lights that run on less power.
If you have an HVAC system installed in your home, keep an eye on how you use and care for it. Overuse of your AC during the summer can easily double your energy bills.
Contact Carolina Climate Control if you feel like your system isn’t operating as it should. Get your free estimate today.
