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Looking to save money on your monthly energy bills while also reducing the size of your carbon footprint? Advances in technology have made it easier and more affordable than ever for the average consumer to make smart shifts that dramatically decrease energy usage. Not sure where to start? Do an assessment of your current energy usage based on appliances and figure out which upgrades make the most sense for you. In the meantime, read on to learn about this year’s trendiest energy efficient upgrades for your home.
Replace Your Old Light Bulbs With Long-Lasting LED Bulbs
A simple light bulb may feel like a small place to start in your journey toward conserving more energy, but electric lighting is responsible for up to 25% of your home’s monthly energy bill. When making the switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED, you may experience a bit of sticker shock, but rest assured that your new LED bulbs will last 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money in the long run.
Check Out New Energy-Saving Power Switches
Think you’re conserving power by turning things off when you’re not using them? Not so fast. According to The New York Times, “Roughly 50 devices and appliances in the typical American household are always drawing power, even when they appear to be off..and about a quarter of all residential energy consumption is used on devices in idle power mode.”
Short of unplugging all of your appliances every time you’re done using them, what can you do? Check out low-cost, energy-saving power switches that plug directly into your electrical outlets, creating a buffer between your appliance and the power source. These handy devices ensure your appliances draws zero energy when the switch is flipped off, and as a bonus they help corral cords to keep your space tidy and organized.
Invest in a Smart, Programmable Thermostat
Your HVAC unit is a major source of energy at home, and if you’re not responsible about your usage, it’s a major energy waster, too. A programmable thermostat adjusts to your personal comfort level while you’re home, and it establishes a schedule that aligns with your family’s daily routine when you’re not home in order to scale back on energy usage. For every degree you adjust the temperature during the peak of summer or winter, you can save up to 2 percent on your utility bill. This translates to big savings when you learn that your heating and cooling costs represent 50% of your monthly utility bills.
One of the most popular brands right now is Nest Thermostat E, the first thermostat to be awarded an Energy Star from the EPA. It also works with Amazon Alexa voice control and has a very popular app that easily allows you to make changes from your mobile device.
Mix Things Up in the Kitchen With a Steam-Leveraging Pressure Cooker
Cooking during the summer is a double-whammy on your energy use. Not only do your appliances eat up a lot of power, but all that heat coming out of the kitchen means your HVAC system has to work extra hard to keep your home cool. Cut back on your energy use and your time in the kitchen with a pressure cooker. It’s a sealed pot that collects lots of steam inside. The steam creates high pressure that cooks your food really quickly. You can cook almost anything in a pressure cooker. Rice cooks in a few minutes, and beans are ready in less than an hour. Plus, pressure cookers are great at tenderizing meats.
Keep Your Home Secure With Solar Powered Outdoor Lights
If you’re looking for places to make cuts in your energy usage, outdoor lighting may seem like a low-risk option, but it’s more important than you think. By keeping your home well-lit, you can deter potential burglars and provide extra safety for guests navigating unfamiliar walkways. Plus, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, it can really amp up your landscaping.
Unlike traditional outdoor lights, solar yard lights require no wiring, so once you’ve chosen a spot, they literally take seconds to install. Once installed, they generate and store power during the day and then release it at night. Even on overcast or shorter winter days, your solar lights should generate enough energy to keep your home illuminated throughout the night.
