Fossil fuels are the primary source of electricity generation in the United States. The thing is, fossil energy sources, such as natural gas, coal, and oil, are non-renewable sources of energy and are finite. Burning fossil fuels to use them for fuel also is one of the largest sources of gas emissions.
Reducing your dependence on the electricity provided by the grid can help reduce the pollution from electricity generation. Here are other reasons why you should make your home more sustainable and energy-efficient:
- The federal government gives financial incentives in the form of tax breaks for homes with renewable energy sources.
- It helps save money as it helps lower your electricity bill.
- It helps reduce your home’s environmental impact.
- It helps increase your home’s comfort levels.
- It makes you more mindful of your actions and how they have an impact on Mother Nature.
There are many things that you can do to make your home a green structure. Your pockets, Mother Nature, and the future generations will thank you for your efforts. From opening windows to using solar power, here are some steps that you can take to a more energy-efficient household:
- Take advantage of natural light.
Open up those windows or pull back your draperies to let sunlight in. Getting some sun inside your home will not just help you save from your artificial light usage, but it also brings loads of health benefits. Natural light can help stave off depression and improve your mood. It can also help you have a higher productivity rate and help you have a good night’s sleep.
Another benefit of getting some sunlight inside your home is that it can help make your home seem bigger than it is.
- Install energy-efficient windows.
Another way to save money on your monthly electricity bill is by replacing traditional windows with energy-efficient ones. Energy-efficient windows will not only help you save on your heating and cooling costs, but they also help reduce your home’s gas emissions.
These windows employ different glazes to keep the heat or the cold from getting inside your home. These coated, multi-pane glass windows help prevent heat loss during winter and help prevent your home from absorbing more heat during warm summer days. Energy-efficient windows can be more expensive than traditional windows, but they can help you reduce your energy costs by up to 25%.
- Replace your incandescent lightings.
If you are still using incandescent lighting fixtures in your home, it is high time that you replace them. They consume a bigger amount of electricity. They also need to be replaced frequently. You can use more energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs).
They use up to 50% much lesser electricity than your incandescent lighting, allowing you to save more on your electricity bills. They are more expensive than incandescent light bulbs, but with a longer life, you will still end up with more significant savings.
- Maintain or update your HVAC.
Your home’s heating and cooling contribute a big chunk on your electricity bills. A poorly maintained HVAC can be inefficient when it comes to its energy consumption. You do not have to replace a working HVAC to have a more efficient home. Here are some ways to have a more efficient heating and cooling system:
- Maintain it regularly. Problems with your HVAC can make it consume more electricity than necessary.
- Clean the filters and vents. It will also help make the air you breathe cleaner and healthier.
- Clear the area of your A/C unit from plants or any garbage. More air can get through if your A/C unit has a clear surrounding.
- Use a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat can help you save in your cooling and heating by ensuring efficiency. A smart thermostat uses scheduling and motion sensing to know when to turn on, reduce, or turn off your cooling or heating system. It will help you eliminate energy wastes from inefficient cooling and heating.
- Make use of renewable energy.
Solar panels for residential homes have become more accessible over the past years. Having solar panels in your home helps reduce your dependency on the electricity supplied by the grid. The initial cost of a solar power system for your home seems daunting, but many solar panel suppliers offer financing options to make them more affordable for you.
Some benefits of having a solar power system in your home include:
- Energy savings
- Higher property vale
- State and federal tax breaks
- Free electricity
- Reduced carbon footprint
Having an energy-efficient home is not just for the monetary savings that it can bring you. It is also about making a mindful and conscious choice to be more considerate of your lifestyle and how they impact the environment.
