There are so many little things we can do this Earth Day to live a bit more sustainably, to lower our home energy usage, and to take our family outside to enjoy what nature has to offer. Why not make this a year-round affair? With these simple tips, you can start living more eco-friendly, while saving money on your bills in the process.
Alter your Washing Machine Settings
According to Energy Star, up to 90 percent of your home’s washing machine energy is focused towards heating your water. Cutting the heat and instead using cold water will not only reduce your washing machine’s carbon dioxide emissions, but will also keep your clothes intact for longer (as hot water will ultimately deteriorate your clothes and their color over time). And if you’re fighting tough stains and don’t think that cold water will do the trick, try using warm water before hot water. Even warm water is better than nothing, and will help to cut down your home’s energy usage in the long run.
When it comes to drying your clothes, try to skip the dryer when possible. During the upcoming warm summer months, you can save big on your energy simply by drying your clothes outside as opposed to running them through your dryer. And if you don’t have a clothesline, installing a drying rack on your balcony and keeping the windows open can be another option for those who don’t have a garden or backyard. If you do find that you need to run your dryer, try using dryer balls instead of sheets; they’re reusable, sustainable, and much better for the environment than disposable dryer sheets.
Treat Your Windows
With some hot New England heat upon us, homeowner’s AC usage is about to skyrocket. However, you can cut this usage simply by making sure your windows and doors are properly prepped for the summer. Make sure to check your windows and doors for cracks that could let any potential heat in, or any cool air out. If you do find any, make sure to caulk your windows and doors. Upgrading your curtains from the hot summer sun can also prevent unnecessary heat from entering your home. Getting thick curtains to sustain your home’s temperature as opposed to constantly running the AC is both more eco-friendly and stylish, too.
Bulbs and Cords
One of the easiest, yet biggest steps you can take towards becoming more energy efficient would be replacing your bulbs, and monitoring your plugs/cords. Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs can prevent excessive energy from being used to light your home, while lasting up to 50 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. Replacing them in all of your lights can dramatically lower your energy bills, while helping to reduce your home’s carbon emission in the process. And LED bulbs cost just as much as incandescent bulbs, so you’ll be spending the same amount of money for years of savings to come.
When it comes to monitoring your plugs and cords, simply unplugging devices you aren’t using can help lower your energy usage, as even though you aren’t using these devices, they are still using electricity. Plugging devices you aren’t using into a Smart Strip, which can detect which devices are and aren’t being used and cutting the energy supply to the devices on standby, will help by doing this service for you, so you don’t have to manually unplug and replug every time you are finished with a device.
Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Similar to what caulking your doors and windows can do, insulating your home will make sure that you use as little energy as possible, by keeping the desired temperature in, and any harsh New England weather out. Through holding your warm or cool air inside, insulation can make sure you aren’t burning through energy in reheating or cooling your home. Area rugs over hardwood floors can help prevent any air from leaking out of your floors. Insulation can be installed within your roofs and walls and make a noticeable difference in your home comfort and your wallet.
Revise: The Way You Save the Planet
Revise can be your first step to tracking and cutting down your home energy use—and a big step to helping save the planet with your everyday habits. You’ll help reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants just by making simple upgrades to your home. Even just one home could make a big difference in living in a happy, healthy world. And with Earth Day just around the corner, this is the perfect time to help protect the planet while helping you save money on your bills.
If you’re interested in lowering your home’s energy usage with Revise, schedule an appointment with us at (800) 885-SAVE (7283) or go to our website at callrevise.com. Together, we can make it our business to help save the planet, one home at a time.
