7 Useful Tips for Energy Efficient Homes

It is very important to conserve energy due to the major climate changes happening across the globe. Saving energy is no more just a choice, but it is a must for all. It is not easy being an eco-warrior, but with a few simple ways you can help save the planet. 

Conserving electricity and water and reusing and recycling things can help us save money and the environment. Being energy efficient is a win-win situation for everyone. The more energy you save, the more you reduce your utility bills and help the environment.

By just taking a few simple steps towards living an energy-conscious life, you can enjoy so many perks of being energy efficient. You can start building energy-efficient homes as conservation starts at home. It can be done through behavioral changes that ensure that you have energy-efficient homes.

• It significantly reduces your utility bills
• It may increase your property value
• It improves the quality of your life
• Helps protect the environment
•  You can earn incremental returns on energy efficiency investments
•  You can save yourself from rising electricity prices

Some of the easy ways to make your home energy-efficient are – 

• Decrease the usage of electronics
• Switch off the appliances and devices when not in use
• If possible replace your old appliances like washing machine and refrigerator with new energy-efficient models as old models consume more energy. 
• Use water wisely
• Clean the filters regularly
• Use natural lights whenever possible.

Adjust your day-to-day behaviors

To reduce power consumption, you do not have to go and buy energy-efficient products. You can conserve energy by simply switching off appliances and lights when not in use. 

If possible, you can decrease the use of energy-intensive appliances by doing the tasks manually. You can air-dry clothes instead of drying them in the washer; you can do the dishes by hand, etc. 

Adjusting your behavior has a high potential for utility savings. You can turn down the heat on the thermostat in winter or reduce the usage of AC during summer. These heating and cooling make almost half of the home’s utility bill, so reducing the usage is probably the best way to make your home energy efficient. 

Go for energy-efficient appliances

It is advisable to use the equipment and devices like flat-screen monitors, eco-star products, or BEE labeled products to make your home more energy-efficient.

Always switch off appliances and unplug all the connected devices like TVs, chargers, home theater systems, etc, as they consume energy even when not in use. The energy consumed by an electronic device when it is not in use is called “Phantom Load”

Heating and cooling consume almost half of the home’s energy consumption. It is recommended to use energy-efficient Air conditioners during summers and energy-saving room heaters during winters

If you do not wish to invest in appliances, use curtains for windows. By providing shade with blinds or curtains, the house will stay cool even in the summer. This way there will be less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature and it will consume low energy.

Switch to CFLs and LEDs

Now is the time to switch to Compact Fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. They are high energy efficient and use around 50 to 70 percent less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. Also, they also last longer. 

You can even install LEDs and smart switches they will reduce your energy consumption by 50%. 

For common areas like the lobby or staircase, install LED lights. You can use smart LED lights that come with motion detectors and are controlled by infrared sensors. You can also use compact CFL bulbs. Using LEDs and CFLs will reduce energy consumption to a great extent. 

Switch to Solar energy 

Using solar energy will help you save energy and is great if you want to make your home more energy-efficient. You can install solar lights, solar inverters, solar water heaters, etc. They are all energy-saving products. 

One solar water heater can save up to four units of electricity. Also, solar lights are very effective in reducing power consumption. If you have a garden or lawn, you can even install solar lights for the garden. 

Use water carefully

If you have water leakage anywhere in the home, repair it as soon as possible. You can also switch to aerosol spray faucets or add an attachment to already installed taps. 

By using faucets, it will increase pressure while reducing the water flow. You can also use low-flow showerheads and switch to dual flush systems for your WC.

You can also save water by cleaning your car using a wet sponge rather than a hose. While using dishwasher wash in quick wash mode, you will save not only electricity but also water.

Ventilation

Create natural ventilation in your home. Natural ventilation allows cooling of home and also prevents the buildup of chemicals and carbon monoxide. 

It also allows sunlight into the house which prevents the formation of mites and molds on carpet, curtains, and sofas. This way you can save by reducing the cost of using ceiling fans and light during the day. 

Install a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier will indirectly help you in saving energy. If your room is too humid, the Air conditioner will struggle to cool the air down. When you use a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity level in your home, you can save the cost by 20 to 30%. 

• Go for energy-efficient appliances, Eco-star products, and BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) labeled products.
• Clean the filters of AC regularly. Insulating your walls and roofs will decrease the heat gain and also reduce load on AC.
• While doing laundry, only use the washer when it is fully loaded. Once done, air dry the clothes in the sun instead of using the dryer.
• Unplug all the battery chargers or adapters and switch off appliances completely, when you are not using it.
• While leaving home, make sure that all the lights are switched off. 

These are a few simple steps for energy consumption and leading an energy-efficient home. If everyone decides to follow it devotedly, we can save a massive amount of energy. Our small efforts will enormously benefit our environment.