If you want to reduce your monthly electricity bills, you can do so by making your home more energy efficient. In addition to everyday tips like switching off lights and fans, you can make some major changes around the house.
In this article, we talk about the major ways that you can make your home more energy efficient.
1. Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
You can start saving energy with something as small as changing your light bulbs. Although incandescent bulbs are cheaper and more readily available, CFLs or LEDs are a better alternative when it comes to total savings and longevity.
CFLs use one-fifth of the energy consumed by the regular incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light. With CFLs, you will save up to 80% of your daily electricity consumption. CFL bulbs last much longer than normal bulbs and have a positive budgetary impact.
2. Adopt Home Insulation Methods
Reduce the use of home cooling systems like coolers, air conditioners, and so on, and still keep your home cool during summers by using few simple methods.
Insulate your home to keep the heat outside during summer days and the warm air inside during the winters. Paint the roof with reflective paint for minimum heat absorption into the house. Use double glazed windows and vinyl window frames instead of aluminum to prevent unnecessary transfer of heat. Using blinds on windows during summers will keep the glare out and keep your home cooler.
3. Get New Energy Efficient Appliances
The older an appliance is, lesser will be its energy efficiency. Replace these appliances with newer models, especially those having Energy Star certification, and make an energy-efficient home.
To save on your water consumption, get low-flow equipment like low-flow showers and washing machines, low-flush toilets, and so on.
4. Plant More Trees
Planting more trees around any place provides better heat regulation. If you have enough space, you should plant deciduous trees around the eastern, western, and southern walls of your house. These sides receive the most sunlight.
Planting a tree right beside the exhaust outlet of an air conditioner will also help in saving energy. Plant evergreen trees on the north side to keep out the cold winds during the winter months.
5. Follow Everyday Household Tips for Energy Saving
There are some simple tips you can follow to create an energy efficient home.
i. Switch off lights, fans, air conditioners, computers, chargers, televisions and any other electrical appliance that is not in use.
ii. Use microwave ovens more, as they use 50% less energy than electric or gas stoves.
iii. Use moderate flame settings on LPG burners.
iv. Provide some space for air circulation between your refrigerator and the wall.
v. Use natural drying methods instead of electrical drying.
vi. Use air conditioners with automatic temperature cut-offs.
Undergo regular maintenance of all appliances like stove burners, refrigerators, air conditioners and so on to ensure their proper functioning.
