If you’re a homeowner, then how to save on energy costs is probably one of your paramount concerns. People all over the United States are looking for ways to conserve energy and save money.
Being energy efficient can be difficult with so many electric-powered devices facilitating daily life, but it’s necessary. Energy efficiency is not only good for your wallet, but it’s good for the planet as well. Continue reading to get 5 tips to help you and your family become more energy conscious.
1. Go Solar.
As you read in the previous section, our lives are all but powered by electricity. Nearly everything we rely on to make life simpler has to be plugged in or charged. One of the best things you can do to save money on energy and help keep Mother Earth healthy is to go solar.
Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular option for both environmentally and financially aware people. Hayes Barnard of SolarCity has done tremendous work to bring solar systems to residential areas in the United States.
Hayes’s dedication to making life more sustainable for all is also exhibited through his work with his nonprofit organization, The GivePower Foundation. His organization works to bring clean water and electricity to impoverished regions. Going solar could even help to further Hayes’s initiative.
2. Shop around for your energy solutions.
The days when electric companies could charge you whatever they wanted without fear of competition are long gone. These days, consumers are more powerful than ever, so are you exercising your power?
Even if you don’t plan on going solar, you still shouldn’t overpay for electricity. Use the tools at your disposal to make an informed decision about from whom you’ll get your electrical services.
If you’re not utilizing the internet to sniff out the best deals for your electrical needs, then you could be cheating yourself. Price comparison websites like moneygains.co.uk allow you to compare electrical companies and their rates side-by-side. Price comparison tools help consumers to get the most bang for their buck.
3. Get an electric car.
One would have to be blind not to notice the significant increase in gas prices over the past decade. Nowadays, it costs more to fill an economy car than it once did to fill an SUV!
To avoid spending their child’s college tuition at the pump, a lot of people are making the switch to electric cars. The switch to electric-powered cars isn’t just an anomaly. According to Forbes, Tesla has become the world’s most valuable car brand.
On top of being stylish, electric cars cost more than 50% less to power annually than gas cars do. If you’re in the market for a new car, then you should definitely consider leaving the gas guzzlers at the dealership.
4. Weatherproof your house.
One of the main functions of your home is to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If your home isn’t properly weatherized, then your HVAC unit may be working double-time to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.
One of the main things you need to do to make your home ready for whatever weather the seasons may bring is to check for and eliminate any leaks. Air coming into your home can make your house much hotter or colder than you would like for it to be.
If you have old windows, then you should replace them with new, energy-efficient ones. Replacing your windows can be pricey, but it’s well worth the coins you’ll save in energy costs. Weatherizing your home is a quick and cost-efficient way to optimize your home’s energy use and may even inspire you to do some renovating.
5. Unplug chargers and turn off lights that aren’t in use.
Sometimes the best thing you can do as a parent is to follow the instructions you give your children. “Don’t procrastinate.” “Haste makes waste.” “Turn that light off if you’re not using it.”
Simple things like unplugging your smartphone or laptop charger or turning off lights when they’re not in use can conserve a lot of energy. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the largest difference.