Save Energy and Protect the Planet!
With Earth Day around the corner on April 22nd, it’s important for each of us in Louisville, KY and beyond to think about how we can make our homes more “green.”
We’ve come a long way since Earth Day started back in 1970, whether it’s being better about recycling at home or seeking out more eco-friendly products at the store, or adding solar panels to the roofs of our homes.
Even small changes in our homes can have an impact on our energy use, which not only helps the planet as our home “go green,” but also saves on utilities bills too.
8 Ways to Save Energy at Home
Here are some easy DIY changes that you can do today or over a weekend to make your home more energy efficient.
Get a Programmable Thermostat. If you don’t have one already then this is a must-do! It allows you to schedule your home’s temperature automatically depending on your daily routine – increase when getting up, decreasing when you’re at work, increasing when you come home, and decreasing when you head to bed. There are so many product selections out there with high-tech features such as motion sensors. You’ll save money heating and cooling your home at the right times for you and your family. And prices have come down so you should find one in your price range.
If you are in the market for a new programmable thermostat, consider using LG&E’s online Marketplace to help you compare models and make the right choice for you! To start comparing and saving, visit https://lgeku.efficientchoice.com/
Use a Smart Power Strip for Your Electronics. It’s time to leave your old power strips in the dust, and look into a “smart” power strip. Who doesn’t see all the glowing lights from electronics when you turn off a room’s light. That’s energy being used for no good reason. The traditional power strips probably have encouraged you to keep many of your electronics plugged in constantly, using power even when you’re not using them as they wait in standby mode. Smart strips will shut down power to products on standby mode and save you 5 to 10% of your energy consumption. Every little bit of conservation counts!
Install the Correct Lightbulbs for Your Needs. With the use of incandescent bulbs a memory now, buying lightbulbs can be confusing! Before you go to the store and invest time and money searching for new bulbs, make sure you understand the differences between LEDs, CFLs, and Halogens. The technology keeps changing and improving, resulting in more choices than before, so you might find a new type of bulb that you like better now. Since these lightbulbs can last longer and are more expensive, make sure the manufacturer has a good refund or exchange program if something does go wrong. And be sure to hang on to your receipt, since it’s often required for a return or exchange outside the normal 30 to 60-day window.
Hang Laundry on Clothes Drying Rack. Hanging clothes to dry may seem like you’re back in pioneer days but try it. Get in the habit of hanging some of your clothes on a foldable drying rack rather than in the dryer. I almost always hang my workout clothes and athleisure wear. Your clothes, your utility bill, and the environment will thank you! This will cut down on the number of loads you put in the dryer each week – which translates to less electricity used.
Install Ceiling Fans. We know decorators hate ceiling fans and almost always encourage us to take them down, but they really can help your rooms stay cooler or warmer. Fans can be a low-energy way to keep air circulating so you can keep your temperature set higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Just remember to have the fans reversed in the winter so the air is pulled upwards and away from you. The selection of stylish ceiling fans has improved a lot over the years, so you should be able find some that match your style. Try Ferguson Showroom, Home Depot, or Lowe’s for options, or shop online at Circa Lighting or Wayfair.
Insulate Exposed Water Pipes. Wrap your hot water pipes in the basement or garage with pipe insulation so they don’t lose heat as the water makes it way to your faucets. It can make a two-to-four-degree difference. Check the pipes coming out of the hot water heater and insulate at least the first three feet. This is easy to do, and again, every bit of conservation counts!
Double Check Your Vents. Walk around your home and make sure you’re not blocking your air vents with furniture or piles of stuff. You want this air flow to circulate efficiently to avoid having the heating and cooling blowing constantly. Also, be sure to dust your vents routinely so they work better.
Plant a Tree. It sounds simple and it can be simple. Having a shade tree can help cool your home during our hot summers. Did you know it can be 10% cooler in the shade? With less direct sunlight on your home, you’ll save on energy costs. Other benefits of trees include improved air quality and reduced storm water runoff, plus trees are a habitat for local wildlife and they can add to the curb appeal of your home!
Going Green Pays Off
Don’t forget about energy tax credits that many cities, states and even the federal government offer when you make energy improvements. You might even get some tax savings when you go green. Whatever your motivation, there’s no downside!
I hope these tips save you money and help save the environment too. Let me know if you have any questions or other ideas for reducing energy and protecting our planet!
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