About 68% of the energy we produce in America ends up wasted. Who do you think is paying for it? Our inefficient systems are costing homeowners money, and the small but significant ways we fight it can help preserve our planet and our savings.
Fighting energy waste at home doesn’t have to involve significant lifestyle changes, either. A few thoughtful shifts in your routines can help you reduce waste energy and cut your home energy costs in half. Plus, you’ll feel better about your consumption in the era of climate change.
The most challenging part is figuring out how to start. That’s why we’ve created this brief guide to help thoughtful consumers like you think critically about your energy use. We’ll include our simplest tips for reducing wasted energy in your household.
Read on to reclaim your power bill—and your planet.
Switch to Solar Power
Recent surveys suggest homeowners save an average of $1,500 each month when switching to solar power. That might seem like small potatoes, but consider how those funds can add up. After twenty-five years, you’ll be sitting on $37,500 worth of savings, which will be handy when retirement rolls around.
If you have a large roof or your home gets a lot of sunlight, you can opt into an incentive program and earn even more. Consider a net metering arrangement that allows you to sell your excess energy back to the grid. Not only can you save money, but you can also end up making money.
Why is solar power the greener option? The sun is a renewable resource that takes fewer other resources to produce. Areas where solar energy is popular have better air quality and cleaner water.
The first step is contacting a local solar power installation company. Ask about any incentives or programs that can help you line your wallet while saving the planet.
Change Your Lightbulbs
The invention of the incandescent lightbulb changed the world. Unfortunately, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t apply to technology that is actively draining energy resources. We can’t ask Thomas Edison what he thinks, but we’re pretty sure he’d advocate that we switch to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs and leave his invention in the past.
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than Edison’s incandescent bulbs and last up to 25% longer. They don’t rely on mercury, which damages ecosystems and the human body. This makes them safer and less wasteful by almost every metric.
They’ll save you money, too. You’ll change your bulbs 25% less often and save yourself fewer last-minute trips to the hardware store. We’re in favor of any change that makes the world a greener place and requires less effort for homeowners!
Unplug Your Electronics
You’ve shut off your electronics for the day, but putting them all away is a hassle. You’re just going to take them out, turn them on, and plug them in tomorrow, right? Is it worth it to unplug your appliances every day?
Many consumers don’t realize that electronics use standby power, even if you’ve turned them off or shut them down. If it’s plugged in, it’s using electricity. Touch the charger—if it’s warm, it’s working, and it’s costing you money and energy.
Unplugging your electronics between uses is the easiest way to reduce waste energy. As a bonus, it can extend the life of your electronics. You won’t need to replace the tech or the batteries as often, saving you money and keeping e-waste out of landfills.
Pick Up a Powerstrip
If unplugging your electronics is a logistical issue, we have an easy, affordable solution. Rather than plugging electronics directly into wall outlets, plug a powerstrip in instead. Plug all of your electronics into the powerstrip, and feel free to leave them there.
The trick is to use the switch on the powerstrip to power down your products all at once. Since the devices aren’t plugged into the wall, turning off the powerstrip counts as “unplugging” them and won’t use any standby power.
Make sure to place the powerstrip in a location where you can access the switch.
Form a New Habit
The easiest way to conserve power is sometimes the hardest for people to adjust to—turning off the lights as you leave a room.
As simple as it sounds, it often involves forming a new habit. You’ll need to consistently remind yourself (and everyone who lives in the house with you) to hit the switch on the way out.
Here are a few compelling reasons to make an effort:
- You’ll conserve energy
- You won’t add additional heat to your home
- You can prevent electrical fires
- Incandescent and halogen bulbs will last longer
If you’re an old dog who can’t learn a new trick, use technology to help. Consider installing a movement, daylight, or occupancy sensor. These smart devices will only turn the lights on when you need them.
Of course, if you’ve installed LED lightbulbs, this tip might not matter. The best part about LED bulbs is that leaving them on doesn’t impact the life of the product at all.
Cut Back on Energy Waste at Home
Cutting back on energy waste is a noble pursuit in the age of climate change. If you play your cards correctly, it can also save you money in the long run. A sustainable lifestyle is an investment in our planet that can easily lead to a stronger financial future.
It has never been easier to improve the planet while improving your home. Are you curious about other ways that small changes to your lifestyle can have a significant impact? Browse the rest of the blog for more posts that will inspire you to go green and reassess your energy use.