It’s in everyone’s best interest to reduce the amount of energy we use. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint and energy waste, you’ll also save money on your power bills. Here are some of the most useful and practical ways you can reduce home energy usage!
- Switch to LEDs – LED bulbs require an initial investment that puts some people off, but they’re a far more efficient and inexpensive solution long term. Not only do they last longer (some LEDs work for more than twenty years!), but they reduce the amount of energy you consume by up to 90% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, rather than burning out in a sudden flash, LEDs experience a more gradual decline that makes them easier to live with when they need replacement. Just by swapping out one bulb for an LED model, you’ll reduce your energy bill for that light source by 30-80 dollars over the course of the bulb’s life.z
- Have Home Window Film Installed – Window films are retrofitted to your existing windows and come in a variety of energy-conserving styles that reduce your energy usage by putting barriers between your home and the outside world. Professionally installed window films block nearly 80% of the sun’s heat, which can really help lower the interior temperature and the amount of air conditioning you need. In addition, during the winter, some low-e window film options help create an insulating layer on your windows to trap your home’s heat inside the house and reduce your heating bill.As a side benefit, most home window films block 99% or more of the sun’s UV rays which can help reduce the impact of cancer causing rays that damage skin as well as fade furnishings and flooring. Go with a pro who can make sure that the films are installed correctly and get you the best possible return on investment by choosing the right film for your application.
- Switch to Time-Based Electricity Rates – To cut down on peaking power usage, some utility companies encourage customers to use electricity during off-peak hours. The energy company saves money during high-use hours and the customer receives those savings through rebates or lowered electricity rates. By using energy when others aren’t, you reduce consumption needs during busy times and help keep energy usage balanced for everyone.These programs are especially useful for people with electric or hybrid cars that recharge overnight, but it’s just as easy for people who can easily do things like run dishwashers overnight rather than during the day, for example. Also, technology like home window film mentioned above helps reduce energy usage from the sun’s heat during the peak hours you are trying to limit your consumption.
- Kill “Energy Vampires” – Did you know that appliances leech energy even when they’re powered down? Large appliances like fridges, desktop computers, and especially televisions can be draining power even when they’re off, to the extent that as much as 20% of your electric bill can come down to this “vampire power” usage. Turns out that every appliance that stays plugged in is pulling electricity, and most appliances continuously use energy even when “off” to perform updates, connect to servers, and record data. To reduce your energy leaks, be sure to unplug all your devices that you can when you’re not using them. This is easier if you’re using a power strip that allows you to quickly flick off appliances without reaching down and physically unplugging them.
We hope this article helped you with some ways you can reduce home energy usage beginning tomorrow. Our company specializes in helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes utilizing modern window film technology. If you have any questions or would like more information, please click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and estimate, contact us by filling out the form below for more information. Midwest Glass Tinters services homes and commercial spaces in Chicago, Springfield and the surrounding areas of Central Illinois, Madison & Milwaukee, Wisconsin as well as St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and the surrounding areas of Central Missouri.
