8 Quick Tips for Easy Energy Efficiency

Having a green, healthy and energy efficient home doesn't have to cost a lot, and it doesn't have to be outsourced. If you're not a handyman or handywoman, don't worry - there are a few things you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

 

A few things that you can pick up at your local home improvement store or mega mart:

 

1) Cold laundry detergent - Your hot water system is one of the biggest energy consumers in your house. By switching to cold water for most laundry (except bed sheets), you can save. Most modern detergents are so effective that hot water is unnecessary.

 

2) Florescent Light Bulbs - Florescent light bulbs cost a bit more but they last years longer than incandescent bulbs and consume less than half the electricity. Don't want to replace all the bulbs? Consider just replacing the bulbs in the most commonly used rooms like the living room and kitchen.

 

3) Light Timers - Are your kids always leaving the lights on? Buy some inexpensive timers to ensure the lights automatically turn off while they're at school.

 

4) Drying Rack - Although they're getting more energy efficient, clothes dryers still account for a large portion of your gas or electrical bill. Ask yourself if you can use a drying rack in your laundry room to cut down on dryer use.

 

Some easy changes to how you and your family live can have big effects on your energy consumption.

 

1) Turn Off The Lights - I know, I know, I sound like your Dad when I say this, but it’s true that lighting rooms that aren't being used is one of the biggest energy wasters.

 

2) Use Ceiling Fans and Adjust Your Thermostat - Whether you're heating or cooling your home, ceiling fans are a great way to circulate air freely and reduce the work that your HVAC unit is doing.

 

3) Sleep Your Computer - Is your computer running in the office at night? Set your computer's properties to turn off or sleep the machine automatically when it’s been idle for an hour.

 

4) Close The Curtains – A great deal of your home’s heat and cooling loss comes from your windows. Simply by closing your drapery at night or when a room isn’t in use, you can conserve some of that loss inside the home.

 

There you go, folks – 8 simple steps that anyone can take to reduce energy consumption. Have more suggestions? Drop us a note on our Facebook page and we’d love to hear them!