Energy Efficiency in the Home

With Daylight Saving Time ending this weekend, darker, cooler days are on the way. It’s natural to use more energy this time of year, but there are cheap and easy things you can do to keep your fall footprint low. Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a win for the environment and your wallet. Try out these tips this fall and winter and let us know if you have others:

1.   Unplug, Unplug, Unplug!

Not-so-fun fact of the day: devices use energy whenever they are plugged into an outlet, even if they are fully charged! This means that phone chargers, hair dryers, laptops, blenders – are all using some energy. Not only does this cost you more, but it can also be bad for your devices. Make sure to unplug whatever you are not using. An easy way to keep up on this is to plug your devices into a power strip that can be switched off and on when not in use.

2.   Let There be Light!

LED lights. We’ve known about them for a while now, so it’s about time we all catch up. Swapping your incandescent bulbs for these energy superstars is a win-win for everyone. They give off a brighter light, impose less on your energy bill (savings of about $100 per year), and are better for the environment. And remember to always turn off the lights when you leave the room!

3.   Shower Saver

Replacing your showerhead with a low-flow head can help save water and approximately $145 a year in electricity savings. Low-flow heads release less water per minute, saving you all around. Make sure to keep your shower time brief too (around 10 minutes).

4.   Big Bold Curtains

Add some style and some insulation to your home this winter by hanging some insulated drapes or curtains. Consider curtains that are thick enough to hold in heat, keeping warm air inside rather than letting it escape. Also, consider applying plastic to your windows to add an extra layer of insulation. Check it out here.

5.   Get Energy Star Certified

Looking to renovate or update your home? Review these resources from Energy Star to help make your home appliances eco-friendly. Check out these tax benefits you could be eligible for while you’re at it, too!

Want more ideas to green up your home? Give these links a look: Green Home Guide, Curbed, and Redfin.