How does energy efficiency affect the environment?
Energy efficiency is defined as using less energy while providing the same level of energy. It is using a more efficient technology or process the energy needed while reducing human greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency is usually obtained through in our homes can come from many sources. The choice of appliances in our homes, installing insulation, new roofing, new windows, they type of vehicle we drive. Things like the light bulbs we use and buying products made from recycled material and disposing of our waste in a recycling manner.
We don’t always see the affect because it isn’t blatantly obvious, but the energy we use has a direct connection to the environment. From every light we turn on, every gallon of water we waste, every time we get in our vehicle, we are consuming power that comes from the environment or goes back into the environment. It is only with energy efficiency products and ways that we can have a positive effect on the environment.
What are examples of energy efficiency?
We can consume less power to reduce the toxic fumes from the power plants by switching to other power sources like LED light bulbs and solar power. By going solar with as much as possible, we are conserving our natural resources and protecting the ecosystem. We can do our laundry in cold water and hang them to dry instead of using hot or warm water and not using a clothes dryer. We can all practice energy efficiency with examples like these:
- Repurpose: Since we’ve already used energy and resources to make things, let’s use those things! Repurpose an old building using recycled materials and products.
- Passive Designing: Design structures with more windows so less electricity is needed. Build cool buildings in the south and warm buildings in the north.
- Use Free Resources: Solar energy is free. Using solar panels is capturing that free energy instead of using generated electricity, a great energy efficiency way to live.
- Design with Efficiency: Design and build things with engineering that will use less energy. One example is the incandescent light bulb versus the LED light bulb with 5% energy efficiency versus 20% energy efficiency.
- Our Way of Living: Making small changes to our lifestyle can make huge impact on energy efficiency like living closer to work and changing dress codes in the office for summertime.
- Powering Down: A huge source of energy efficiency is to turn off anything you’re not using, like extra lighting indoor and outdoor, televisions, fans, computers, etc.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: By doing the maintenance and upkeep around our homes, this keeps things like the air conditioner and appliances running property is a great source of energy efficiency.
- Reduce Waste: Fixing water drips and leaks, adding insulation to the attic, and other energy saving measures is one of the best ways a home can have more energy efficiency.
How can we increase energy efficiency?
You may feel like you’re practicing energy efficiency all you can at home, there may be a few more things you can do. The following things may cost you money upfront, but in the long run, the money you’ll save will be a bonus.
- Upgrade Appliances and More: If your home has appliances, air conditioning, or heating that is more than fifteen years old, you will save a lot money over time with new components that are designed for energy efficiency. Other home improvements that will help your home with energy efficiency and sustainability is new doors and windows and adding insulation to the attic and improving the ductwork can do wonders for both.
- Programmable Thermostat: Purchase a programmable thermostat will enhance the cooling and heating efficiency by being able to set the climate control to achieve optimal temperature at a minimal cost. Once you have the temperature settings to fit your home’s occupancy, it isn’t just a matter of energy efficiency and comfort, but easier too.
- Add Caulking and Reseal Doors and Windows: Not everyone can afford new doors and windows but caulking and weather stripping can improve energy efficiency at a fraction of the cost and still make a difference in the utility bills.
- Add Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans made a splash in the 1970s and then as home decorating shows took to the airways, they were coming down fast. Now, homeowners are realizing that they created a gentle breeze and circulate the air too. During the summer, they keep the hot air up and during the winter, they keep the warm air down. Both are energy efficiency that save you money on utilities.
- Water Energy Efficiency: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets that use the minimum water needed to accomplish the job needed. These are fairly easy to install and within just a few months, you will notice the savings on your water bill. Next time your water heater needs replacing, go with the new tankless style that produces hot water on demand, using less energy than the traditional water heater.
- Light Improvements: Each time you have to replace a lightbulb around the house, use a CFL or LED bulb instead of the traditional light bulbs will be energy efficiency and money saving too. Replace a light fixture each month and you’ll notice a savings on your electric bill, and if you can’t afford new lights, go natural as much as you can using the light from the windows.
What are the benefits of energy efficiency?
Homeowners that improve energy efficiency and practice sustainability in their homes will have benefits for themselves and the earth:
- Lower utility costs
- Reduced energy demands
- Healthier living conditions
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Lower home and health insurance costs
If you’re still wondering “How can I use less energy?”, watch for those energy efficiency vampires around your home. Unplug cords to things that go to things you aren’t using at that moment. Unplugging the coffee maker or toaster each morning can save as much as 20% annually on your energy bills.
Be smarter with your laundry days by doing only full loads and cold water. Be sure tore change or clean your air conditioner or HVAC filters every 30 days, and where possible, find other ways to cool and heat your room. Dial (678) 964-5617 today for your energy efficient AC needs.