Why is energy efficiency so important? Saving energy is important for a multitude of reasons such as environmental cleanliness.
Protecting the environment is a number one priority in being energy efficient. Residential properties and communities are responsible for almost 1/5 of the national greenhouse gas emissions leaving a long trail of carbon footprints. This can be reduced by almost 30% for each household when incorporating more energy efficient products and actions.
One of the biggest reasons energy efficiencies is imperative, is to help our costumer’s pockets.
Interested in selling your property? Energy efficient homes have been selling for higher prices than classic homes with comparable features. Being energy efficient is more attractive to home buyers today than ever. Some of the elements these buyers yearn for are updated:
- Double pane windows -can cause up to 30 percent of energy lost
- Water heaters -accounts for 19 percent of homes energy usage
- Insulated ductwork/ radiant barriers -cooling accounts for 16 percent of energy usage
- Smart thermostats and appliances -automated adjustable settings
Energy efficient tactics and purchases should be viewed as an investment plan. If you put the time, effort, and money in now, you can save up to 30 percent on utility bills in the future annually.
Energy saving doesn’t have to be a $2,000 energy efficient refrigerator from Best Buy, or the newest $200 Nest Thermostat. The little things matter. Are you tired of telling the kids to turn the lights off? Well, add to the list! Without a professional assessment, you can still strategically reduce your costs.
Here are a few more tips YOU can do at home daily:
- Change light bulbs from incandescent to LED.
- Wash your clothes in cold water.
- Utilize shades and blinds effectively: open during cooler months, closed during warmer months.
- Don’t leave your electronics on all day: turn off computers, TVs, lamps, fragrance warmers.
- Use ceiling fans
- Use dishwashers and clothes washer/dryers at morning/night instead of during the peak usage hours 4pm-6pm
- Use air dry on dishwasher instead of heated dry
- Don’t leave bathroom and kitchen fans on, they use outside air
- Don’t place appliances like lamps or TV by thermostat
- Adjust your thermostat efficiently, recommended 68 degrees for winter, 76 in the summer
- Minimize running water while brushing teeth, shorter showers, and outside hoses.
Energy saving can be very easy to tackle if you stay consistent and persistent. There are many resources available to you through our services, but it can all start with you and your daily efforts.