A great deal of energy is wasted throughout our homes, and this is not only bad for the environment, but it also is very expensive over the months and years of your inhabitance. There are dozens of ways that you can curb energy usage within your home and it is important to remember that it all adds up so even small reductions are beneficial in the longer-term. Here are a few simple ways that you can save on your gas and electricity bills in addition to reducing potential negative impacts on the environment. Once you get in the habit of considering your energy use around the home you will be able to reduce your energy bills with ease.
Smart Meters
The best way to save energy is to know how much you are spending and then plan from there. You can easily conduct an energy audit to find out how much gas, electricity, and water you are using each month. An even simpler way to check on your energy usage is to install a smart meter. These are often free from your energy supplier and you can monitor your energy use very easily through an app that’ll put you in control of how and when you use your utilities, minimizing the moments that you need heat but likewise maximizing the times that you’ll be happy for your home to run without cost and energy wastage.
Replace Your Windows
One of the biggest expenses in every home is the cost of heating. A lot of heat can be lost through old, inefficient windows. It is very easy to search online for “home window replacement near me” and find a local professional to help you replace old windows with more energy-efficient options. Replacing your windows is a stress-free and easy way to help you save energy in your home, and the new windows will essentially pay for themselves within a very short time. New windows also add a new feel to a home, adding more light and making interiors glimmer and sparkle with a little more positive energy.
Unplug Unused Chargers
Leaving mobile, laptop and appliance chargers plugged into the socket will drain your electricity, and it could be one of the primary reasons why your energy bills are so high. It is important to make sure that you unplug your chargers when you are not using them because they continue to use energy even if they are not plugged in to your devices. Be diligent about the use of your plugs and the electrical appliances in your home in order to stop electrical currents flowing needlessly through your property – some of which can result in overloads, voltage surges and even fires if you’re not careful.
Watch Your Water Consumption
If you turn the heat down when you have a shower or do the washing-up, you will dramatically reduce the amount of energy used during these tasks. Hot water requires gas and water and this can be controlled through choosing not to use extremely hot water during every shower. Some research has shown that having cold showers is beneficial and can help improve our body’s neural responses.
It is also highly advised that water is not used unnecessarily and that it is turned off when not in use. Small things such as turning off the tap while you brush your teeth can add up to a huge amount of water saved, which is, of course, good for the environment as you’ll not be forcing water through treatment works unnecessarily. One recommended investment you can make during your pledge to reduce your water consumption is to invest in a low-flow shower head. This will decrease the amount of water that comes out while you shower.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home is a cost-efficient way to save money because it traps in a large amount of heat and therefore your gas bill will diminish rapidly. You can hire a professional to assess how much heat is being lost in your house and where it is being lost. From there you can develop a plan to insulate your home with the best metal building insulation and ensure that you are not wasting money. Just as most heat from the human body is lost through the head, most of the heat lost from your home will flow into your roof space and out through your roof. This should be your primary target for insulation before you move on to walls and floors – Especially if you have an older home! You may even want to look at getting a roofing contractor in Minneapolis or someone local to you, to do a full assessment of the state of your roof as you may need to fix some structural issues on your roof first.
Choose the Right Home Appliances
Old dishwashers and washing machines are notorious for wasting electricity and water. The act of buying a new washing machine or dishwasher can actually save you money if you spend your time researching which appliance is the most energy-efficient – so it’s worth considering an upgrade to help save you cash and to save the planet, too.
All of these changes will render your home energy efficient – a bonus that’ll thread straight through into your wallet.
