Can We Be More Energy Efficient?

Saving energy and decreasing the size of our carbon footprint is a concern for many people, especially during the cold winter months when electricity usage increases. Oddly, more often than not, many people will put off making their homes more energy efficient because they don’t know how to, they’re worried it will affect their lifestyle, or because it’s too expensive. Well, what if we told you that taking the step to a smaller carbon footprint can be affordable, have almost no impact on the way you live, and is really simple to do? Read on for six ways to make your home more energy efficient and even save you a little money as the price of electricity rises.

Install water efficient or low-flow shower heads
These nifty little gadgets won’t take away your water pressure but they will use less water. Not only will you save money on water usage, but you will save on the electricity it takes to heat that water.

Buy or make draught excluders
While this may seem like a silly idea that won’t help save the world, every little bit counts. Gaps in your window frames and under doorways will let warm air out, forcing your heaters to work twice as hard in the winter.

Insulate upstairs and floors
Making sure that your home is well insulated will ensure lower amounts of electricity used to heat your home in winter and cool it down in summer. The initial cost of getting your home properly insulated may be quite a bit but you will save money in the long run when you are using less electricity daily.

Insulate yourself
Wrapping up in warm blankets, slippers, dressing gowns, and throws when you’re home will mean you don’t need to turn the heaters up as high to stay warm.

Install energy efficient windows
Admittedly another expensive way to make your home more energy efficient but it pays off with two major benefits. Energy efficient windows such as double paned windows allow your home to use less electricity to keep it at a comfortable temperature and if you decide to sell your home, they help to raise your property value as well, two birds with one stone.

Replace old appliances where you can
Older appliances like refrigerators and washing machines tend to not be built with efficiency in mind. Not just that but if they have a little damage from wear and tear they may need more energy to run the way we need them to. Make sure to replace these appliances with ones that are energy efficient or have eco settings.

The benefits to making your home as energy efficient as possible are both environmental and financial. Energy efficient homes cost less money to run and are more desirable when they go on the market. With these and so many other fantastic, easy, and cheap ways to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, it’s no wonder greener homes are becoming so popular.