Most of us are aware that our energy consumption has an impact on the planet and on resources, but many don’t realize just how much it does affect us. The world’s electricity consumption has continuously grown over the past half a century, reaching approximately 23,900 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity annually, and despite the fact that many countries are making strides to expand their use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Energy conservation isn’t just good for your wallet; it also reduces your carbon footprint and helps you reduce stress on the environment by conserving natural resources.
Stop wasting energy
Every little bit helps, especially when it comes to conserving energy. Most folks aren’t aware of how much energy they waste by not being cognizant of certain house-keeping activities. By performing regular maintenance on your home, you can reduce daily energy costs as well as increase long-term savings by up to $200 a year! Here are some easy ways you can help protect our environment while conserving electricity
Use energy saving bulbs
Conserve energy at home by switching out regular light bulbs for energy-saving bulbs, which can cut electricity costs by as much as 80%. If you want to go that extra mile, try putting in dimmer switches or motion sensors, which can significantly reduce power use without adversely affecting your quality of life—not only will you save money on electricity bills, but you’ll also have a better understanding of how much energy certain devices really consume in a day. One last piece of advice?
Turn off the lights when not in use
Turning off lights when not in use, also known as load shedding, is a simple way to conserve energy. The reason we tend to forget about turning lights off is because it requires more effort than it’s worth at first glance, especially if you’re just leaving a room for a few seconds or minutes. However, over time (and after multiple reminders), you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to integrate taking two seconds to turn off a light into your daily routine.
Use a power strip when traveling
Using a power strip lets you turn off all your electronics at once, which saves energy when it’s time to turn in for bed or go out for a night on the town. It’s also good practice to turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug appliances that aren’t in use, and invest in smart power strips that automatically switch your devices on or off—you can buy one of these at any computer or home store.
Automation
When it comes to preserving electricity, nothing beats automation. Whether it’s your home thermostat, HVAC system or sprinkler timers; investing in smart technology can allow you set schedules that save energy on demand. Studies show that homes with automated systems use up to 20% less electricity than homes without them. That’s a lot of savings!
Upgrade your HVAC system
According to ENERGY STAR®, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can account for up to 30 percent of your utility bill each month. An HVAC system with an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of at least 13 will help you cut down on your electricity consumption without sacrificing comfort or reducing indoor air quality.
NEXT-GEN INSULATION
Insulation is one of the most important ways to reduce your home heating and cooling costs. The Industrial Science & Technology Network is developing new foam insulation made with environmentally friendly and advanced composite materials that ensure heat doesn’t escape from the attic, walls and other areas of the home during cold winter months.
SOLAR ENERGY SOLUTION
The idea of solar energy sounds great in theory, but many people are hesitant to invest in it because they don’t know how a solar electric system works or if it can provide enough power for their household needs. With any new technology, there is always some uncertainty. To help alleviate some of that doubt, we are here to assist you. Contact us to know more. (Contact form link)
