Energy Saving 101: 8 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Energy Usage

As the population continues to soar, every household has the responsibility to conserve energy. Carbon emissions begin at home, and they have contributed to negative climate change and global warming. Home electricity consumption contributes to more than half of the energy used, contributing to over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing energy usage is necessary for environmental protection and saving on utility bills. By adopting sustainable habits, you can reduce your energy usage in the following ways:

Turn off electricity and appliances when not in use

Reducing your home energy consumption requires an adjustment in your daily behaviors. Even with energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs, practice turning them off when they're not in use. Make a habit of switching off lights when you leave a room and during the day when there is enough natural lighting. When you're done using them, turn off appliances and unplug electric devices when they're fully charged.

You can use particular tools to determine where to discover which appliances consume the most energy and where most of the electricity is being used. During summer, reduce the usage of the air conditioner and turn down your thermostat in winter.

Reduce your shower time

Taking a hot shower after a long day is refreshing, but long showers consume a lot of energy. Keep them to a maximum of four minutes; you'll still feel clean and fresh, and in the process, reduce your energy usage. Install an egg timer so that you don't take a lot of time in the shower. Fresh and clean water is also getting hard to come by; avoid misusing it.

Use LED bulbs

Traditional halogen and fluorescent bulbs consume a lot of energy and increase your monthly electricity bill. Replace your bulbs with more energy-efficient LEDs if you're not already using them. LEDs require less energy to emit light, unlike incandescent bulbs that use 90 % of the energy to heat up. Although they cost more, LED bulbs will help you save energy, money and last up to a decade.

Use solar energy

The sun produces enough energy to sustain the globe without diminishing. Instead of paying hefty electrical bills, use perpetual sun energy to generate electricity. Install solar panels at home to heat showers, lighting, and reduce the carbon footprint. Installing solar panels can be expensive, but it significantly lowers your utility bills in the long term.

Close curtains and blinds

During summer, when the sun is hot, air conditioning provides relief indoors. Closing the curtains helps block away from the sun's heat, ultimately reducing your home's internal temperature. During winter, closing your blinds creates a protective layer against any cold that enters through the windows. Replace thin curtains by purchasing those that are thick, quality, and bold in color.

Clean HVAC system air ducts

Having an HVAC system is essential for comfort, especially when there is extreme weather. The ductwork makes for the largest component of your heating and cooling system. It creates a pathway to move air around your home. Having clean air depends on your duct work's cleanliness. When debris settles in your system, it circulates throughout your household, making it difficult to breathe, and can cause severe health risks if left untreated.

Work with professionals to get duct cleaning services regularly, replace HVAC system air filters, and vacuum clean your home routinely to improve your indoor air quality.

Install a smart/programmable thermostat

When there’s no one home or during bedtime, you can set a programmable thermostat to turn off automatically. A programmable thermostat helps you eliminate wasteful energy use without requiring an HVAC upgrade. Smart thermostats allow you to choose where your home needs cool air and learn your program and habits. Using a smart thermostat instead of a traditional one can potentially save 15 percent of cooling and significantly reduce your energy usage.

Purchase appliances that are energy efficient

Appliances consume a lot of energy, roughly 13% of the total household energy use. All home appliances come with a star rating; make sure you purchase those that are energy efficient. When buying home appliances, pay attention to the annual operating cost and initial purchase price. Although energy-efficient appliances are costly, their operating cost is lower than that of conventional models. Look for home appliances labeled ENERGY STAR that guarantees they consume less energy.

Bottom line

Modern problems require modern solutions; one of these is reducing energy usage to reduce the carbon footprint. Make smart choices when consuming energy by switching off lights and appliances when not in use and keep blinds and curtains closed. Invest in solar energy, energy-efficient appliances, and reduce your time in the shower. Ultimately, these adjustments create great impacts.