There is power in numbers, especially when it comes to our environmental impact. We can all contribute, and therefore we all can make a difference.
But that doesn’t mean your efforts towards energy savings have to be massive. In fact, several small, energy-efficient changes in your home can make a major difference—especially when inspiring others to make these changes too. So yes, saving energy in your home not only helps the environment, but it also helps your home energy costs and can even improve your overall health.
Why Are Energy Efficiency and Conservation Important?
The most important aspect of energy efficiency and conservation is the positive environmental impact. Not only does it reduce pollutants from fossil fuels, but it also lowers the need for expanding development to source additional natural resources. Our fuel sources are non-renewable, so the less we use, the longer we can preserve these resources. When we practice better energy efficiency, we cut back on overconsumption, and when we practice energy conservation, we eliminate unnecessary energy use.
Between the positive environmental impact and individual health benefits overall, there are many reasons why energy efficiency and conservation are important.
Environmental benefits of energy efficiency include:
- Reduced pollution
- Protected ecosystems
- Cleaner air and water
Homeowner benefits of energy efficiency include:
- Healthier indoor air quality
- Reduced energy costs
- Increased comfort
How Does Saving Energy Help Our Environment?
By reducing energy use in our home, we are reducing the demand for power, which can turn into harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide. This is why saving energy is often referred to as “reducing your carbon footprint.” When we collectively use a large amount of energy, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced are greater than what Earth’s atmosphere can absorb, resulting in unstable temperatures, climate change, and air pollution. In turn, we harm our planet and our health.
Also, because energy-efficient systems typically last longer than older, less efficient systems, waste disposal is also decreased. Less frequent maintenance, parts, and replacement help cut back on unrecyclable waste.
But the reality is we still need to use energy in our homes every day. However, the majority of homeowners use far more than what is actually needed. And although it may seem daunting to cut your consumption, even minor changes can make a major impact.
Related Topic: Cut Energy Costs by Starting Simple
How to Save Energy at Home
There are lots of ways to increase your energy savings. While the biggest contributor to energy consumption in your home is your heating and cooling systems, water and electrical also have a significant impact.
To get started, here are some helpful ways to save energy at home:
- Replace any incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs. Using at least 75 percent less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, LEDs can make a huge energy-saving impact in your home.
- Upgrade to energy-smart systems. Energy smart heating and cooling systems, appliances, and units are much more efficient than standard systems. They save on energy, fuel, and water.
- Install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will adapt to the needs of your home and optimize your HVAC for better efficiency. Some can even help track energy expenditures to help you identify ways you can further cut energy use.
- Install double-pane windows. Double pane windows provide better insulation and therefore better stabilize your home’s temperature and reduce energy use. For expert double pane window installation, get in touch with our partners at Glass Doctor®.
- Install water-saving faucets. Reducing water demand in your home helps cut overuse of the resource itself, as well as the energy it takes to filter, heat, and supply it to your home. Water-saving faucets reduce the volume of water flow without reducing water pressure.
- Weatherstrip your home. Air leaks can cause up to 40% of energy loss in your home. To help reduce that loss, make sure that your home is properly sealed by adding door and window weatherstripping.
- Schedule regular air duct cleaning. Dirty ductwork can impact your HVAC system’s efficiency. Not only can it reduce proper airflow, but harmful debris or mold growth can damage your system. With regular cleaning, you can improve efficiency and air quality in your home.
- Schedule annual HVAC maintenance to increase efficiency. Your HVAC systems use the largest amount of energy in your home. Properly maintaining them will not only cut back on energy consumption, but also help the efficiency of supporting systems.
Related Topic: How to Get Energy Efficiency Improvement Rebates
Learn How to Make a Positive Impact on the Environment with Aire Serv
Interested in improving the health of your home and the environment? Our service experts at Aire Serv can help you create a more energy-efficient home. And saving energy helps conserve resources which also helps the environment. If you have questions or want to learn more about energy-efficient HVAC options, or system installations, call us or request an appointment online.
