Energy waste is a problem that affects the majority of American households. The fact is, most people are spending way more on energy use than what they should be paying.
The key to paying only for the energy you actually use is energy conservation. Energy conservation is a way to reduce energy waste that is hugely beneficial for many reasons.
Energy conservation will definitely reduce your power bills, but it can also increase the value of your property and it certainly offers environmental protection.
Want to learn how to avoid wasting energy in your home and lifestyle? Trust us, it’s easier than you think.
- Make Small Lifestyle Adjustments
Many people think the key to energy conservation is to run out and purchase a slew of energy-efficient products. Really, the first step in reducing wasted energy in your home is to make minor adjustments to your daily behavior.
Adopting daily practices like turning off the lights in rooms you aren’t using, washing dishes by hand (without the water running), and hang-drying your laundry are all important ways you can reduce your energy consumption.
- Program Your Thermostat
Thermostats heat and cool your home constantly in the winter and summer seasons. This creates a lot of wasted energy unless you’re home 24 hours a day and never sleep.
Programmable thermostats allow you to reduce your heating and cooling needs by turning them off or down when you are sleeping or out and about. It’s a great way to reduce energy waste without upgrading your HVAC.
- Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Electric household appliances account for about 13 percent of your home’s energy use, on average. Investing in energy-efficient appliances is another great way to reduce energy waste.
You don’t need to go out and replace all of your existing appliances with energy-efficient ones. The next time you need to purchase a new appliance, look for appliances with the Energy Star label.
Certified Energy Star appliances use significantly less energy than regular appliances. You’ll be able to determine the best value by comparing the initial purchase price with the annual operating cost.
- Swap Out Your Incandescent Bulbs
Did you know incandescent light bulbs use 75 percent more electricity than LED? LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient type of lightbulbs available.
In addition to being energy-efficient, LED bulbs do not contain mercury. They also tend to last roughly 25 times longer than incandescent lightbulbs.
- Switch to Solar Energy
Home solar installation is another excellent way to conserve energy and reduce your monthly power bill. Solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels and solar panels are between 15 and 18 percent efficient.
In addition, you can sell any excess power your solar panels store to the grid. Keep in mind that solar panels are most ideal for homes that get a lot of year-round sunlight.
Energy Vampires Are Hiding Inside Your Home
It’s true. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of energy vampires hiding in the dark places of your home and office. They are the televisions, microwaves, printers, and computers that continue to suck energy even when turned off.
According to the EPA, idle electronics in the U.S. are responsible for consuming an amount of electricity equivalent to the annual output of over a dozen power plants.
Unplugging these devices when they are not in use is a great way to avoid wasted energy.
Energy Waste Reduction Takeaways
Unplugging idle electronics, using energy-efficient appliances, and programming your thermostat are excellent approaches to reducing energy waste in your home.
Simple lifestyle changes can make a huge impact on reducing your energy bill, increasing the value of your home, and helping to curb the effects of climate change.
Looking for other ways to reduce your home’s energy waste? Check out our article “The True Cost of Roof Solar Panels, Explained” next.