Noticed that your energy bills are getting higher than usual? Getting worried about the environment? Did you know that a cracked door can increase your energy spending? Did you also know that most dryers are gas-operated, releasing carbon monoxide in the air? Here are 5 easy ways of becoming more energy efficient and participating in increasing environmental consciousness:
Insulate Everything
The biggest temperature loss happens through cracks and broken parts in your home. Your windows and doors may be top quality, but if not insulated, the heated or cooled air inside will get out much faster and in bigger quantities. Besides windows and doors, you should also insulate the attic since heated air travels upwards and if the walls are thin and insufficient, you will develop the need to turn on the heater much more frequently, resulting in higher bills and more environmental damage.
Window Replacement
Insulating the windows and doors is recommended, but only if they are still properly functioning. With time, windows grow old and significantly lose their primary qualities – UV protection and insulation. Door and window replacement are projects with high ROI since new and technologically advanced ones can reduce bills down to 15%. To find out whether you need undertaking this replacement project, check for signs of damage like rot, cracks, draftiness and interior condensation.
Upgrade Appliances
An amazing and affordable trick to reduce energy usage is with upgrading your electrical appliances. There is a popular rating system in Canada called Energy Star. If a product has such a mark (an Energy Star), it means that it has been tested and certified for high energy efficiency. Eco-friendly kettles, dryers, water heaters, refrigerators, phone chargers … all of them use much less energy for functioning – cutting environmental damage and energy bills.
Change Lights
There lots of strange things happening in the world. For instance, why do we keep using incandescent lights when LED’s are much more affordable and effective? Even though LED’s are more expensive to buy, they last 25 times more than regular lights. Incandescent light bulbs use 60 watts and have a maximum life span of a thousand hours while LED’s use 12.5 watts and their lifespan is 25,000 hours. So, start thinking above market pricing and save up on some energy & spending.
Smart Thermostats
If someone starts explaining the functioning of a Smart thermostat, it will feel like being in Blade Runner or another futuristic movie. To program themselves, these thermostats follow your movements and routines. Their main role is to keep comfortable temperatures while also spending energy in the most efficient way. Smart thermostats also show you statistics of energy spending throughout your daily routines, increasing your awareness and inspiring change.
