There are a number of energy-saving methods and behaviours that can easily be implemented within your home environment. The benefits of these are twofold: they will save you money on utilities and will help to protect the environment. Whatever drives your decision to start reducing your energy consumption at home, know that a few small day-to-day changes could create a lasting impact on both your wallet and the planet.
1) Change your light bulbs
This is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to conserve energy in your home. Energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs, use 25-80% less energy than their traditional incandescent counterparts. In addition, they will last much longer! Though the initial cost is slightly more expensive than traditional bulbs, they will save you both money and energy in the long run.
2) Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
Though it seems like a no-brainer, many people forget to turn off lights or appliances when they leave a room. Perhaps you leave your porch light on overnight, or like to sleep with the TV on. By changing these behaviours you can help to reduce your home’s energy consumption, as well as your utility bill.
3) Choose alternatives
Make smarter energy-efficient choices about when to use certain home appliances: for example, wash dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher, or hang clothes outside to dry rather than use the dryer. The appliances in your home that use up the most energy are those required to heat and cool it. Consider opening windows or using a fan in the summer, rather than turning up the AC. You might just notice a big difference in your utility bill.
4) Purchase a smart power strip
Did you know that when appliances are in standby mode they are still using up a large amount of energy? Electronics such as plasma TVs, DVD players, and computers, all have a standby mode that enables them to keep drawing power even when they are not turned on. Smart power strips can be used to turn electronics and appliances off when they are not in use to reduce energy wastage.
5) Install a programmable or smart thermostat
Smart thermostats, such as the Nest, could end up saving your household a couple hundred dollars a year. By programming your thermostat to reduce heating or cooling functions when you are away from your home or when you go to bed, you can easily reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Making your home more energy efficient is a smart financial decision. Another smart financial decision? Choosing to find a mortgage with Capital Mortgages! We work to deliver unbiased mortgage advice from a vast choice of mortgage options with dozens of different lenders, saving you both time and money. Contact us today to get started!