5 Ways to Reduce Your Impact
Climate change is one of the largest problems we are facing today. Electricity production adds significant amounts of carbon pollution to the atmosphere, and it is the primary cause of most of the global temperature rise, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result we see melting glaciers, rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns. If left unchecked, carbon pollution can devastate human health, society and the Earth’s fragile ecosystems.
Simply using less energy at home can help lessen the emissions that cause irreversible climate change.
Conduct an Energy Audit
The first step to make your home more efficient is conducting an energy audit. Many local utility companies can conduct an energy audit in your home for a low cost. However, choosing an independent auditor who’s not associated with a specific product or system may offer a more unbiased analysis. The auditor will conduct a series of tests around your home that can determine your homes’ energy efficiency and he or she will offer solutions to remedy any problems you may have.
Insulate Your Home
Areas of your home like the attic, garage or basement can contribute to lost energy. These areas are generally uninsulated, which allows air to leak from your home. Most homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation. By sealing any leaks and installing insulation, you can reduce your heating and cooling cost by 20 percent, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
Bonded Logic, a sustainable manufacturer, offers insulation materials that are made from the recycled cotton of old denim. The insulation productscontain no harsh chemicals or irritants with no VOC concerns, making it a safe choice for your family and the environment.
Consider Energy-Efficient Appliances and Eco-Friendly Materials
ENERGY STAR appliances can help to make your home more efficient. At its inception, the ENERGY STAR label was established to reduce pollutants like greenhouse gas emissions caused by the inefficient use of energy while making it easy for consumers to choose energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR-rated items range from lightbulbs to refrigerators.
Manufactures like Champion Home Exteriors provide energy-efficient options for your home like windows that are ENERGY STAR-rated androofing materials that are long lasting and non-asphaltic.
For more on ENERGY STAR products visit EnergyStar.gov.
Install Programmable Thermostat
According to Nest, half of your home’s energy bill is controlled by the thermostat. If you’re heating and cooling your home with a standard, non-programmable thermostat you could be wasting $173 each year. Programmable thermostats, like Nest, work on an auto schedule that can reduce your energy bill by 20 percent.
Unlike other hard-to-operate thermostats, Nest is easy to install. Theprogrammable thermostat even learns what temperatures you prefer and programs itself. Just turn it up or down and Nest will build a personalized schedule. Nest thermostats automatically turn on an energy-efficient temperature when you leave the house and you can control your Nest thermostat directly from your smartphone.
Use Less Energy
It all comes down to using less energy. One way to do this is by using less hot water. Be mindful when you are using water around your home. For example, only wash full loads of laundry and wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot water. According to the Center for Energy and Environment, 90 percent of the energy your washing machine uses is for heating up the water.
Using low-flow showerheads can also help to conserve water. The EPA suggests using showerheads with the WaterSense label. These types of showerheads can save up to 2,900 gallons of water each year. WaterSense showerheads can also help you conserve electricity. Simply switching to a low-flow style can save enough energy to power a home for 13 days.