TREND SPOTLIGHT: SAVE ENERGY. SAVE MONEY. FEEL GOOD.

Something happened to you recently. Maybe you watched an eco-doc that freaked you out, or read a ‘worldly’ article featuring some alarming facts. Perhaps there wasn’t even a trigger, other than your conscious whispering, “you can do better” or “spend a little and save a lot.” Whatever the case, you feel it’s time to make your home more energy efficient, but don’t really know where to start. Relax good friend, we are here to give you some basic suggestions and get you on a path of inner peace and fulfillment. We have listed five ways to start your journey. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and use a ”baby steps” approach. In the end, you’ll be in a better place.

BEST PRACTICES

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Here are some things about window and door glass that you probably know, but we feel obligated to mention anyway (like a parent telling their child to be careful every time they go outside). Low-E and tinted glass minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through glass without compromising the amount of transmitted visible light. The result is a home that stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Replacing old windows and doors can lower household energy bills by up to 12 percent. Furthermore, using less energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and that’s pretty cool too.

SEAL AND INSULATE

“Seal and Insulate” sounds a little boring, so we’ll call our next little project, “Operation Weatherize.” Let’s start by sealing cracks. Go crazy with the caulk and foam, keeping the bad air and other elements (like moisture and creepy bugs) out of our perfectly, climate-controlled homes. Next, watch some weather stripping videos and go to town on the windows and doors. And finally, let’s talk about insulation. Options are limitless for pre-construction homes but don’t worry, there are some things you can do if your home is already built. Unless you know what you are doing, we suggest you contact a home energy professional to help. These pros are well-trained in identifying the perfect add-on insulation materials and where to use them.

HEATING AND COOLING

The goal here is to exist comfortably in our homes while binge-watching our favorite shows – we don’t want to feel cold in the winter or hot in the summer. This level of comfort can be achieved simply by replacing the thermostat with a programmable one. It can be set based on when you are home and when you are not. Your ducts are also worth examining. They are the delivery system of warm and cool air, and over time, they can come apart or even tear. If accessible, you should check them and use duct mastic for any repairs. Water heating accounts for up to 18% of a home’s energy consumption. So think about replacing the water heater with one that is more energy efficient. You can also lower the heater’s temperature, and insulate the hot water tank and pipes.

LIGHTING

Have you been to the bulb section at your local hardware store lately? You probably noticed that there are less traditional looking light bulbs populating the shelves. That’s a good thing. Lighting standards have drastically changed, and there are more energy efficient options than ever. Choosing bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR will provide the most savings. ENERGY STAR LED bulbs are a solid choice because they use only 20% to 25% of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs, and last up to 25 times longer. Do you remember when LED bulbs started appearing in stores, and did their prices scare you away? Fear not, they have come way down in price. You can now update all of your fixtures without breaking the bank.

MAJOR APPLIANCES

There are a few items to focus on when deciding on a new appliance. Start by taking a look at the Energy Guide stickers and do some comparing. The largest number on those stickers is approximately how much you’ll spend a year to operate it. Consider how long you’ll have that appliance and do the math. You might be surprised by the differences and be swayed on which model to choose. Also, make sure the appliances have earned the ENERGY STAR because they will offer the most savings. Most importantly, do your homework and research all the pros and cons to help choose the perfect appliances for you. Many of today’s appliances have eco-friendly and energy-saving settings. Look for those as well in your quest for kilowatt enlightenment.

THERE YOU HAVE IT


As promised, we presented some basic tips to fortify your home and make you feel better about energy consumption. Did we deliver, or what? There are so many ways to save energy – too many to list in one place. So be bold and dare to tread the Google waters for more ideas. Before you know it, your energy bills will shrink and you’ll be living in an energy-saving castle of eco-consciousness and actualization.

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