Home energy consumption has become a pressing global issue. As the world’s population continues to expand and urban centers increase in density, the energy demand has reached an all-time high. Some regions of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa, have been left particularly vulnerable to the effects of this impending crisis. Meanwhile, many individuals are considerably reducing their home energy consumption. By implementing simple strategies at home and general lifestyle changes, you can make a real difference in how you use energy and your carbon footprint. Here are 4 ways to decrease home energy consumption and help combat climate change.
Change your light bulbs.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption at home. New light bulbs can reduce your energy by up to 90%. If you’ve been dragging your feet about changing your light bulbs, you’re in luck — this investment doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You can purchase a starter pack of high-quality LED light bulbs for as little as $15. Other types to look out for include fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent. Although incandescent light bulbs have been largely phased out, they’re still used in some household appliances. Fluorescent bulbs are also effective but have a shorter lifespan than LEDs.
Install a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats are among the best investments you can make in your home. They not only help to reduce your energy consumption, but they also make your life a lot easier by giving you remote control over your system. For example, you can use a smart thermostat to set up a program that keeps your house warm while you’re at work, then switches off when you’re home. Most smart thermostats are compatible with apps like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. When used correctly, a smart thermostat can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%. You can even take advantage of special rebates and government incentives offered by your utility company to help offset the cost of a Residential ac installation compatible with a smart home energy system.
Seal air leaks.
If you’re not sure where the energy loss in your home is coming from, you may have air leaks. These are places where warm air escapes into the cold environment outside your house — creating a loss of energy and unnecessary home heating costs. Air leaks are also a potential source of indoor air pollution, including excessive levels of carbon monoxide. Check for air leaks in your home by closing all doors and windows. Next, use a programmable thermometer to measure the temperature in your home over 24 hours. If your home’s temperature drops significantly at any time during the day, you may have an air leak. You can seal air leaks with caulking and weather stripping, which you can purchase at any hardware store.
Go solar.
If you own your home and have enough space on your roof, going solar is one of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint. Solar energy doesn’t come from fossil fuels, so it’s a clean, renewable power source. Plus, it’s highly cost-effective. Solar power systems can halve your energy bills and usually pay for themselves within a few years. If you don’t own your home or live in a rental property, you can still take advantage of solar energy. You can purchase a subscription to a solar energy plan or buy solar panels outright.
Conclusion…
Home energy consumption has become a pressing global issue. Fortunately, many individuals are making considerable efforts to reduce their personal home energy consumption. By implementing simple strategies at home and general lifestyle changes, you can make a real difference in how you use energy and your carbon footprint.
Mia Guerra
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