Since the recent years, mankind has begun to realize the impact of development and growth on the environment. As natural resources begin to dwindle, people are becoming increasingly conscious of their ecological footprint and are choosing to make a positive difference in whatever way they can.
Strategies to implement energy saving reforms are friendly on one’s pocket, feasible and do not require intense physical engagement. Most of the methods are one-time investments with effective results that will bear fruit in the long run. You can choose what route you wish to take on your earth-saving path. Remember that every little bit counts. You can install a large solar plant or simply change the filters on your heating and air-conditioning units. Being environmentally conscious is a lifestyle that when adopted becomes part of human nature. If you wish to join the fight to save our planet, then read on to learn our energy-saving recommendations. It is quite simple!
Seal Your Windows – Your window and door frames may have enough cavities to result in a large amount of heat loss during winters and cool air during the summers. That will cost you a lot to heat or cool down your house again. As beautiful as they are, old style windows such as aluminum or single pane windows are not as energy efficient as you might think of them to be. If you are building a home, then perhaps try double pane windows or vinyl frames. These have proven to have more endurance against the transfer of heat in and out.
Getting your windows tinted will surprise you as it saves an incredible amount of energy! On the other hand, keep your curtains and blinds open to let the sunlight in and warm your home a little. This will make the power lights and bulbs remain off for as long as there is enough sunlight which is absolutely FREE.
Insulate Your House – This is relatively easier to achieve. All you have to do is install additional insulations to the walls, ceilings, windows, and floors. This will coat and fill all the air drafts and leaks in the walls, preserving the warm/cold air inside the house that will minimize your energy bills by 25%. A lower energy bill, not a bad incentive!
External wall insulation is advisable to be carried out by a professional only. It requires a lot of skill and specialized knowledge to cover the walls that could change the entire façade of the house. Insulation can be of three types: Expanded Polystyrene, Phenolic Resin, or Mineral Wool.
Energy Star Certified Appliances – A lot of people are not aware that the home appliances we utilize on a daily basis within our homes utilize a high volume of energy. These include but are not limited to electric appliances such as a microwave, a toaster, an electric oven, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. The good news is that energy friendly alternatives are available and you may want to consider investing in them.
This will aid in saving energy and lowering the electric bills in the long run. These appliances may be placed slightly higher on the cost spectrum but will save you money in bills.
Power Saving Light Fixtures And Fittings – Most countries have made it legally mandatory for homeowners to replace their light fittings with power saving bulbs and globes. Some nations even distributed power saving fixtures for free to spread the word.
In order to transform your home into an energy-saving powerhouse, we also recommend that you replace any incandescent bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs because they last 8 to 10 times longer. Even if you do not want to replace them entirely if you can use a combination of both.
Solar Panels – Although installing solar panels can be an initially expensive exercise, it offers unbelievable durability and longevity. Despite being a little heavier on the pockets at the time of installation, it is still the best way to make your home energy efficient. It uses the natural resources of the sun to create energy.
Solar panels can either be in the form of solar thermal collectors that will make the sun energy heat the water and as a result either produce hot water or even electricity.
Bathroom Fixtures – Bathroom fixtures which are dynamic enough to control the water flow are quite a competent and productive way to save energy. Dual flush toilets, washing machines, and shower heads can reduce general water wastage by restricting the flow to a minimal level.
Vigilant Heating System – The optimal temperature of water (for energy friendly purposes) should be retained between 120 to 140 degrees. It does not need to be warmer than this. Other heaters keep the water warmer for longer times to insulate the water pipelines so that they do not cool off easily between usages. Moreover, you can also install “on demand” hot water circulation system which regulates water only when the tap is opened and turns off when the water reaches the desired end.
Do not worry. You do not need to go the extra mile and invest in all the above steps at once! You can start out small and work your way up with time. Becoming energy efficient is not going to happen overnight. It requires study, scrutiny and time. Not only that, you need to loosen the purse strings a bit so you are able to invest in all the required items. But remember in the long run, it saves you money!
Use rainwater to water the plants in your garden. Select light colors for the roof so as not to transmit heat to the attic. Plant some trees on the west, south and eastern sides to shade the house. Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water. Control your house’s temperature by procuring a programmable thermostat. These are very simple day to day activities that are not even very time consuming but have very obvious results.