Saving money on your energy bill can also save the planet. It helps us be more environmentally conscious and have a smaller carbon footprint. Going green might seem more expensive at first, however, these changes will last for many years to come and will be an investment that will pay you back in time. We have 5 home updates that once installed, will do all the work for you. You’ll be saving hundreds every year and you might even forget they are there.
1. LED Lightbulbs – Energy-Efficient Lights
This energy-efficient tip is the easiest swap you can make to save money. Switch out your most-used light bulbs, and forget about them! Most LED lightbulbs have a 10-year lifespan, so you won’t have to change them as often. Additionally, they last 15 to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs, and they typically use 75-80% less energy. While the upfront cost of LED light bulbs can be a little higher, remember that they last longer and, if you replace all your light bulbs at home, you can save thousands of dollars over time.
2. Smart Power Strips
Have you ever heard the term “Energy Vampire”? This describes a device that is continuously using energy, even when turned off. These “energy vampires” around your home can use up to 20% of your monthly electricity. A common energy-efficient tip to help reduce this is to unplug any appliances that you don’t use every day. We realize that this can be inconvenient and hard to remember, so an easier and quicker solution is using Smart Power Strips. These extension cords automatically sense the energy demand and cut off the power supply of devices that are fully charged or not in use. Advanced power strips can cut down your electricity usage by 20-48%! Smart power strips are usually the same price as regular ones, so if you need a new extension cord, why not buy a smart one?
3. Energy-efficient Appliances
Consider adding some green technology at home. This will require an upfront investment at first, but you’ll be able to save electricity and be greener. If you’re looking to replace a home appliance like a refrigerator, dryer, or dishwasher, consider purchasing energy-efficient technology instead. These changes can save you hundreds of dollars every year. You can start by using energy-efficient appliances like Energy Star appliances, these use up to 50% less energy than older models. Energy Star washing machines use 40-50% less energy, and 55% less water than the traditional models, their dryers use 20% less energy, and their refrigerators use 40% less energy. This initial upfront investment will save you energy and water for years to come. The money you’ll be saving on your utility bills may seem small at first, but these appliances can last from 10 to 20 years, and those savings will add up over time.
4. Insulation
This one-time cost can save you a lot of money long term. Insulating your home will help cut down on your electricity bill because it reduces the amount of energy needed to keep your house warm or cold. The more you insulate the more money you’ll save and keep your appliances working at a minimum. If you insulate your home you’d be able to reduce your electricity consumption and your carbon footprint. If you’re a homeowner this upgrade is a must to reduce your living expenses, and have long-term savings.
5. Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat has a lot of features that will help you reduce your energy bill. It senses when your house is unoccupied and turns off the heat it also senses when you will arrive back and turns it back on. You can also schedule it to your work schedule, and you can manually control the settings from wherever you are with your phone! This intelligent thermostat will ensure the room is to your comfort level and will save as much energy as possible while doing so. It has many learning features, meaning it is always adapting to your habits, making it more efficient. You will no longer waste money heating an empty home, and will always have the best temperature that fits your needs.
Conclusion
You can save the planet, and save on your utility bills at the same time. Incorporating just one of these tips will save you hundreds and have a better impact on our environment. We hope these easy tips can help you become more energy-efficient and that the next time you’re purchasing new technology, you consider more environmentally conscious options like the ones above. If you care about the environment and want to join us in helping reduce our carbon footprint consider changing your utility company today. Here at Renaissance Power & Gas we strive to provide green energy, and we want to help them save the planet with you.
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