Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day by Making a Positive Change.

Happy Energy Efficiency Day! Take a moment today to assess your home or office and discover areas where energy can be conserved. Is there a perpetually lit room, an always-plugged-in device, or a habit of washing clothes in hot water? Here’s a list of no or low-cost tips to help you reduce energy consumption.

HVAC

When possible, turn off the heating and cooling system and open your windows to make your home comfortable.
Adjust the temperature up a couple of degrees in the summer and down a couple in the winter.
Use smart thermostats/programmable to regulate the temperature of your home when you are not there.

Lighting

Use natural light when possible.
Switch to LED light bulbs.
Install timers, they are a great way to make sure lights do not get left on.
Use Wi-Fi enabled lights — another option for ensuring lights do not get left on.
- Over the past year, we have installed Wi-Fi enabled lights in a light fixture in my living room. This decision has proven to be excellent as it allows me to program the lights’ schedule, adjust their temperature, and control their brightness based on the time of day. In the mornings, there is a wake-up feature that gradually increases the brightness over an hour, emitting a cool light to gently wake me up as I have my morning coffee. In the evenings, when I am winding down for the night, I prefer to keep the lights dim and set to a cozy ambiance.

Electronics

Don’t just turn off but unplug electronics when not in use.
Is unplugging not a viable option? Consider using a smart power strip that automatically cuts off power to all devices connected to it when the control electronics are turned off.
If smart power strips are beyond your budget, opt for a conventional power strip with a switch to provide a convenient and affordable solution.

Laundry Room

Optimize your laundry routine by washing clothes in cold water and skipping the dryer. If you have the space, consider installing an indoor clothesline or using a drying rack to air dry your clothes. Not only will this save energy, but it will also help preserve the quality of your garments.

Water

Saving water saves energy. When you turn off the spigot, you are not only saving water, you are also saving energy.

ENERGY STAR®

Looking for the ENERGY STAR® logo when purchasing appliances is a great idea but ENERGY STAR® encompasses more than just labels on energy-efficient products; it offers guidance on conducting a DIY home energy assessment, identifying, and addressing window leaks, and ensuring sufficient attic insulation.

Conclusion

Becoming energy efficient doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable or even free options to explore. Now I would love to hear your ideas on how to conserve energy at home! Every little step makes a difference.