3 Ways To Help Your Home Be More “Green”
No one likes getting pinched for not showing holiday spirit on St. Patrick’s Day. Luckily, the remedy is an easy one - just put on something green! But another great way to join the festive mood - and avoid the painful pinch - is to “go green” in another sense by implementing eco-friendly, energy-saving practices at home. After all, what could be greener than helping the environment?
Read on to discover three simple ways to save energy (and money), even after St. Paddy’s Day has come and gone.
Utilize More Natural Light
Most homeowners have already made the switch from incandescent bulbs to more efficient LED or compact fluorescent bulbs. But even these can eat up a significant amount of energy when left on. Turning off the lights and using the natural light of the sun is a great way to cut down on needless energy usage.
Merely opening the shades and pulling the curtains back throughout the house can virtually eliminate the need for artificial lighting in the daytime. This works better in homes with plenty of windows, white walls, and wide-open spaces, but even naturally gloomy homes can be made brighter with a few tricks. Strategically placing a few mirrors in darker rooms and hallways and leaving room doors open can make a surprising difference.
Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Appliances
One of the most effective ways to make a home more green is to install more efficient appliances. High-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines can save the average household 6,000+ gallons of water per year and use as much as 25% less energy than standard models.
Upgrading to an energy-efficient refrigerator/freezer can potentially save another 10% of total energy consumption. High-efficiency HVAC heat pumps, water heaters, ceiling fans, and clothes dryers can also cut down on utility costs and consumption to varying degrees. The most efficient appliances bear the Energy Star label created by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, which certifies that the unit meets or exceeds federal energy regulations for eco-friendly equipment.
Unplug Devices That Aren’t Being Used
While green technology is improving rapidly for most large appliances, some devices still consume plenty of power - even when they’re not in use. “Standby power” or “Vampire energy” is electricity that is drawn from wall outlets by inactive electronic devices.
Phone chargers, coffee machines, printers, surge protectors, and other small gadgets use relatively little standby power. The most prominent vampires are televisions, cable/satellite boxes, game consoles, sound systems, computers (desktop or laptop), and power tool charging docks.
The power lost may seem negligible at a glance, but the waste can add up pretty fast between the multitude of devices. Unplugging even the least-commonly used items or leaving things unplugged overnight can have a noticeable impact on the monthly utility bills and help reduce the home’s overall effect on the environment.
About Elite Electric & Air
The trusted experts at Elite Electric & Air have been serving Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast community since 1988. They are ready to go above and beyond for their customers 24/7, 365 days a year. They provide upfront pricing, membership plans, and a lifetime guarantee on every service. CAll Elite Electric & Air today for expert electrical services in Port St. Lucie.