How Do Home Energy Savings and Green Practices Go Hand in Hand?

Energy-saving practices are great for the environment. That’s a fact. Nowadays, most people take this idea for granted. As the world becomes more interested in saving energy (both home energy savings and industrial energy savings) and being environmentally friendly, more people are now focusing on their home’s energy impact. 

In the past, homeowners only had to worry about the power usage for appliances such as televisions and air conditioners. With these new changes, homes are getting smarter with their appliances and transforming into sustainability projects. 

However, when you don’t have to worry about anything with your home, it can be easy to forget to consider how much energy your house is using. Even though you might not be conscious of the amount of energy you’re putting into your home, these small changes can make a big difference in the future of our planet.

Now that your home is a sustainable project, you have to take care of all its systems. Here are some ways you can start making your home a sustainable project.

Why You Need to Care About Your Home Energy Savings

Home energy savings are easy when you know how to do them right. It’s not as hard as you might think!

It’s important to consider your home’s energy impact because it can impact the future of our planet. More and more people are realizing that a sustainable future means sustainability must start with the individual. The easiest way to start introducing sustainable practices into your home is by taking care of your home’s systems.

Tips to Save Money on Energy (While Also Being Environmentally Conscious)

Today, there are more than 60 million homes in the United States and 340 million homes worldwide. The average American family spends approximately $2,000 on energy each year. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills and be environmentally conscious, here are some ways to do just that.

Get a Smart thermostat

The easiest step to start making your home a sustainable project is by getting a smart thermostat. These devices automatically control the temperature of your home for the most efficient heating or cooling in order to save you money over time. 

Smart thermostats help you monitor the energy usage of your home and make it easier to change the temperature when you need to.

If you’re considering installing smart thermostats in your home, be sure that they are compatible with your heating and cooling system.

Go Solar

One way to make your home more sustainable is to go solar. Solar panels are one of the most beneficial ways to conserve energy and save money in the long run.

Understandably, however, a lot of people might not be able to afford solar panels, but there is a cheaper alternative: consider installing a solar water heater at least. These systems need less upkeep than solar panels. 

Install CFLs or LED bulbs

For those looking for an alternative to solar panels, there are plenty of other ways they can still do their part for the environment such as going green and installing LED lights or other eco-friendly products.

CFLs and LED bulbs are great for your home. Not only do they save energy, but they also last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Since they consume less energy, they’re a more cost-effective choice for your wallet.

Install CFLs or LED bulbs to replace your old light bulbs and watch the savings pile up!

Check Your Home Insulation

Determine if your home’s insulation has a rating from the U.S. Department of Energy.

This is one easy way to make sure that you’re not wasting energy in your house. Using insulation to keep heat in during the winter and cool out during the summer can make quite a difference in how much money you’re spending on energy bills each month.

If your home is older than four years, it might be time for an upgrade. Make sure your home is as insulated as possible by adding new insulation or upgrading old materials with insulating foam for maximum efficiency and heat retention.

Consider a Whole-House Fan

If your home isn’t as well insulated as it could be, consider using a fan instead of an air conditioner. As opposed to an air conditioner, fans help circulate fresh air throughout your home without adding extra costs in terms of energy usage.

A whole-house fan helps circulate the air in your home, which helps keep the temperature more consistent and reduces the amount of heating you have to do. They also require less energy to run than air conditioners. And they’re relatively easy to install. 

Other Tips Worth Considering

• You’ll also want to take advantage of smart windows by using solar screens that can block out sunlight and keep your home cool during the summer months. 
• Start replacing your old appliances with newer ones that are more energy-efficient. You’ll save on power usage while also reducing the carbon footprint of your home.
• Try to get smart appliances: set up your appliances with timers that automatically turn them off when not needed. This will help to decrease their power usage and save money.
• Look into installing motion sensor light switches in every room. This type of switch will automatically turn off lights when there’s no movement in the room for a set period of time. This type of switch will strike a balance between saving money and being environmentally conscious–and it’s a great option for any homeowner who doesn’t want to get too technical with their energy savings.

A Final Word on Home Energy Savings and Green Practices

It is important to care about your home’s energy savings because they can directly influence the planet. While there are many ways to become more environmentally conscious, it is possible to save a lot of money on energy and while doing so, still be environmentally responsible.

If you’re wondering how to get started or what to do next, get in touch with the All Year team today. We are proud to be Sacramento’s number one HVAC company in professional air conditioning and heating repairs. We’ll be happy to tell you more about Home Performance Assessments, Design, High Efficiency with Indoor Air Quality implementation– all of which help our clients live smarter and more affordably when it comes to energy consumption.