Affordable Sustainability: Energy Usage

One of the best ways to live a sustainable lifestyle is to reduce your energy usage. Practicing energy efficiency enables you to lower your carbon footprint and help combat climate change, all while saving money on your energy bills. It’s truly a win-win! 

Let’s take a look at some ways you can reduce your energy usage and utilize the energy you do use more efficiently.

Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling devices account for a significant portion of our energy usage. Consequently, a good first step toward reducing energy consumption is to review your heating and cooling systems and see how you can make them more energy-efficient. 

One way to accomplish this is by using a programmable thermostat. This will enable you to adjust the temperature in your home based on the family’s schedule so you’re not wasting energy when no one is at home.

Another great way to make your home’s heating and cooling systems more efficient is to ensure your home is properly insulated. This can prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Finally, make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained. This includes regular filter changes, cleaning the coils and having annual inspections to ensure everything is running smoothly. 

Lighting

One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy usage through lighting is to switch to LED bulbs. According to energy.gov, these bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

Of course, you can also reduce your lighting energy usage by remembering what your mom or dad taught you by turning off all lights when you leave a room. You can also take advantage of natural daylight whenever possible by opening all window blinds and/or curtains to let the sunshine in.

If you’re looking for a more significant lighting upgrade, consider installing skylights or solar tubes to bring more natural light into your home.

Appliances

Appliances can be a huge energy drain to your home. When purchasing your upgrades, look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which are certified to be energy-efficient. 

You can also reduce your appliance energy usage by using them more efficiently. For example, be sure to fill your dishwasher and washing machines to their capacity before running them. Also, use the cold water setting on your washing machine whenever possible.

Finally, consider unplugging appliances when they’re not in use. Even when turned off, many appliances continue to draw power, which can add up over time.

Smart home technology

Harness the power of technology to reduce your energy usage by automating energy-saving tasks. For example, you can use smart thermostats to adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule, and use smart plugs to turn off appliances when they’re not in use.

Additionally, some smart home devices can provide real-time energy usage data, allowing you to see where you’re using the most energy and make adjustments accordingly.

Landscaping

Your home’s landscaping can directly impact your energy usage. Planting trees or installing shading devices can help to decrease the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home, reducing the need for air conditioning. On the flip side, if you live in a cooler area, you may choose to plant trees and shrubs near your home to help keep the warmth in and lower your heating bill. 

Alternative energy sources

If you’re ready to take a big step toward energy efficiency, you may want to consider installing solar panels on your roof. While these systems can require a significant upfront investment, they can provide robust long-term savings and help to improve the sustainability of your home. MIT FCU partners with NRGTree to help you find the right solar system for your home. Check it out!

Reducing energy usage is important for both the environment and your wallet. By making small changes to your home and lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and improve the sustainability of your home.