The new year is underway, and one resolution on many people’s lists will be to go green or save more energy at home. However, promising to reduce your energy consumption and actually doing it are two very different things. If you’re looking to go green in 2019, here are a few tips that might help you save money and the environment at the same time.
Simple Swaps
One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption is to make simple adjustments to your daily routine and your home. Small adjustments tend to stick more easily in terms of long-term results, since simple adjustments don’t usually disrupt your normal routine as much. The less work you have to do, the more likely you are to make the change.
Simple swaps, however, don’t mean reduced energy savings. Some of the easiest changes can make the biggest changes. Department of Energy statistics reveal that approximately 22% of all electricity generated in the United States is used for lighting. By swapping out your existing lighting for LEDs or other efficient lighting, you can reduce your energy bills significantly. Similarly, adjusting your habits to include things like turning off lights when leaving a room can have a similar effect.
Improving Interior
A survey by HomeGoods found that 9% of Americans haven’t updated their home decor in more than 10 years, and almost half (47%) haven’t in the last five years. In that time, it’s very possible your home decor and fixtures might have become outdated; there could be more energy efficient options available. Check common items around your house, like your television, kitchen gadgets, and more, to see if more energy efficient options exist. If so, it might be time to start replacing these items in your home.
Careful Construction
If you’re planning on making any additions or renovations to your home in 2019 as part of your resolutions, make sure you do so in a way that’s going to maximize your energy efficiency. Using certain types of construction, like modular construction, can reduce energy consumption during the building process by around 67%, as well as reducing energy costs later on. Similarly, check the types of materials you use for construction, especially for larger aspects of a construction process, like walls or roofs. A metal roof can easily help save as much as 25% off of your annual home energy bill.
Amazing Appliances
One of the biggest drains on energy, of course, is your appliance usage at home. If you haven’t updated your appliances recently, there are likely more energy efficient newer models available now to help you reduce your consumption, including smart appliances that make use of innovative new technology. However, new appliances can be expensive and not always realistic for everyone. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on reducing your energy usage, however; using your existing appliances more wisely can help you go green. Try washing clothes in cold water, adjusting the thermostat, or reducing the temperature on your water heater to save energy.
If you want to help keep the environment healthy as part of your goals for 2019, use these tips to get a head start. How do you plan to reduce your energy consumption at home this year, and do you think you’ll be able to keep these changes going all year long?
