Home energy saving tips for earth day

If you’re looking for ways to make your home a little more “green” this earth day, look no further! The possibilities for home energy savings are endless, and there are plenty of easy changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint. So, before April 22 rolls around, take a look at the home energy savings tips we’ve outlined below and see if any of these changes will work for your home.

1. Get your appliances serviced

Inefficient appliances are a major drain on your home’s energy! They typically need to work harder and use more electricity to do the same job as a properly functioning appliance. So, if you’re noticing that your refrigerator is making funny sounds or your dishwasher is taking too long, ask a professional to take a look! They can ensure that everything is functioning the way it’s supposed to. While this might represent an upfront cost, in the long run, your electricity bill will be lower and you’ll also have a better working appliance!

2. Turn down your water heater

It’s easy to set your water heater and just forget about it but in fact, if your water heater is set too high, you might be wasting valuable electricity. Make it a seasonal setting with a higher temperature in the winter and a cooler temperature in the summer to conserve energy more effectively. In addition, you can invest in a hot water heater blanket to help your water heater conserve heat and use less energy.

3. Switch out your light bulbs

Lower energy lightbulbs have come a long way since they first came out and they are now just as effective, if not more than traditional bulbs! You won’t be sacrificing lighting for the sake of going green and in the long run, the reduced electricity needed for lighting your house will compensate for the need to purchase new bulbs.

4. Use natural light

Before you flip on a light switch, take a moment to consider if you actually need to turn on the lights! Opening the blinds or shutters can often let in enough natural light to not need electric lights during the day. This is something to consider when you’re building a home as well. Skylights and plenty of windows give you the opportunity to capitalize on the natural light surrounding your home and reduce your reliance on electric lights. You can also use lighter paint colors to make your rooms naturally brighter.

5.  Use smartpower strips

When your devices are on standby- your TV, your computers, and your phones- they’re still using electricity if they’re plugged in. Smart power strips give you the opportunity to easily turn off devices when they aren’t in use without having to actually pull the plug on everything. By unplugging your devices when they aren’t in use, you can actually potentially save between $100-$200 per year.

6. Service your air conditioner

If your air conditioning unit hasn’t been serviced in a few years, Spring is definitely a good time to do that. Cooling is an electricity-heavy function and it can be worsened if your air conditioning unit isn’t in good shape. Not only will you be using an appliance that wastes electricity, but you’ll also be wasting money on that additional electricity.

The Department of Energy says that you’ll want to prioritize cleaning the filter of your air conditioning unit annually and get a qualified technician to take a look every couple of years.

7. Add some plants

Plants produce oxygen by converting your carbon dioxide, which reduces your carbon footprint. This is good news for everyone since plants make the air quality in your home better and also spruce up the place! Even if you aren’t really a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants available out there that you can add to your home for fresher air and a smaller environmental impact.

8. Install a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat is programmable, which means you have multiple options for saving energy. First of all, you can program different default settings for different times of day, from eco-friendly settings when your home isn’t occupied to adjusted temperatures for nighttime. Secondly, you can monitor your home’s temperature remotely, which makes it easy to leave your home cooler or warmer than you would normally like it while you’re gone and allow you to still come home to a comfortable temperature.

9. Install water-saving devices

Faucet aerators and water-friendly shower heads help you save water during everyday activities like showering or doing the dishes. It’s an easy way to conserve water without even thinking about it while still enjoying a fully functioning shower and sink.

10. Minimize your reliance on appliances and maximize their functionality

Where possible, air-dry your clothes, wash your dishes by hand, and use faster water-saving cycles. Make sure your dishwasher is full before running it, run large laundry loads, and don’t use the heat dry function on your dishwasher. There are quite a few things that you can tweak when using your appliances to save energy! All you have to do is look for them.

Saving the planet takes all of us, and by taking these simple steps, you’ll be setting a good example for your friends, family, and children to show them that you care about the environment. There’s no time like the present to live a more eco-friendly life, and if you’re practicing these habits, you’re already well on your way.