9 Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption in Your Home
When you reduce energy consumption in your home, you simultaneously reduce utility expenses and minimize your carbon footprint. Some of the tips, such as sealing air leaks or upgrading insulation, will also reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system.
9 Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption in Your Raleigh, North Carolina Home
- Switch your light bulbs. It is best to switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save up to 80 percent on energy usage for lighting your home.
- Turn off the lights. Turn lights off in rooms that aren’t being used. Consider using timers on bathroom, garage, and laundry room lights.
- Replace outdated HVAC equipment. Most heating and cooling systems have a lifespan of 15-20 years. If yours is coming up on 15 years, research energy-efficient replacements that can yield significant energy savings.
- Low-flow faucets. Use low-flow faucets in sinks, showers, and baths. In addition to saving thousands of gallons of water per year, you’ll save energy by reducing the amount of hot water you use.
- Seal your home’s envelope. Warm air moves into cooler areas. Sealing the leaks in your home’s exterior prevents your warm air from escaping outside during the winter, and keeps hot air from infiltrating your home in the summer.
- Upgrade your insulation. Is your insulation up to current energy efficiency guidelines? Check ENERGY STAR’s Recommended Levels of Insulation map to check the R-values recommended for your geographic location. Start with the attic, crawl spaces and basement, and then work into the exterior walls.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR. When it’s time to replace appliances, always look for the Energy Star logo, which ensures they exceed minimum energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Pull the plug. Electronics and small appliances often consume small amounts of power even when they’re turned off. Use a power strip and turn it off when electronics aren’t being used.
- Renewable energy. Consider switching to at least one renewable energy source such as solar panels or a geothermal heat pump
Contact the Air Experts to learn more ways to reduce energy consumption in your Raleigh, North Carolina home.
Image Provided by Shutterstock.com
