How to Reduce Energy Consumption on Earth Day and Every Day
Earth Day is upon us. While we strive to be energy efficient year-round, this is a good reminder to look for ways on how to reduce energy consumption this spring. Get a jumpstart on spring cleaning, and follow these tips to save money and show our planet some extra love this Earth Day.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart or programmable thermostat allows you to save energy by programming your HVAC system to turn on and off depending on when you’re home. You can schedule specific temperatures to ensure you’re receiving the utmost comfort, while saving money and energy.
The Best Smart, Wifi Thermostats for Your Home
Smart Lighting
Whenever you leave a room, turn off the lights. This will save energy and increase the lightbulb’s lifespan. Double check that all of your lights are off when you leave your home. To go a step further, consider switching out your traditional incandescent lightbulbs to LED lighting, whenever possible. LED lights consume a small fraction of the energy other bulbs require and have a much longer lifespan.
Seal all Doors and Windows
Make sure all of your doors and windows are completely closed while your HVAC system runs. Otherwise, air will escape, and your HVAC unit will have to work even harder to maintain the correct temperature. Check for leaks and purchase weather stripping to seal the edges of your windows, if necessary.
Use Your Ceiling Fan
As temperatures begin to rise, consider utilizing your ceiling fan to cool down, instead of turning on your A/C. Ceiling fans use much less energy than your HVAC system and provide a similar cooling effect in concentrated areas of your home.
Check Your Air Filters Every Month
Regularly replacing air filters can reduce the energy output from your HVAC system and improve your indoor air quality.
Mindful Laundry
Did you know heating up water in your washing machine accounts for 90 percent of its energy use? Wash your clothes in cold water to cut down on the amount of energy required to do laundry. Cold water works just as well and actually works better at protecting your clothes. Instead of using a dryer, consider hang drying your clothes. This avoids the extra use of energy, and reduces wrinkles and shrinkage.
Don’t Ignore Your Water
The average U.S. home leaks up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. Look for water leaks and fix them right away to save on energy and water loss. Additionally, consider turning down your water heater temperature from 140°F to 120°F. You will barely be able to tell a difference in temperature, but you will notice the savings on your water heating bill.
Schedule an Annual HVAC Maintenance Check
Last but certainly not least, the changing of the seasons is a great time to schedule an HVAC tune-up. A trusted HVAC professional can help to ensure you are using the minimum amount of energy required to properly heat and cool your home.
How are you celebrating Earth Day? We’d love to hear from you! Tweet at us @TrustHomesense to let us know. For more information on how to reduce energy consumption, give us a call at 317-203-8149. We’re happy to answer your questions and schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment, if necessary.
