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These days, we hear a lot about the effects of climate change on the news, and more people than ever are choosing to do their part to help the environment so it is livable for generations to come. While there are many ways that you can make a difference, some people fear that their minor contribution is not enough to make a difference, but that isn’t true.
By making little changes, you can make the world that much safer, and when you lead by example, you may convince others to follow suit. The good news is that you can start without leaving home by making necessary fixes, replacing appliances, and being smart about energy use. Let’s talk about what you can do today to help planet earth from your own backyard.
Little Chances to Avoid Excess
The great thing about changing the world for the better is that you can start small around your home. Begin to look around your property and think about the areas where you may be wasting energy. For instance, if you still use incandescent light bulbs, then you are spending more on electricity than necessary. By switching to LED bulbs, you often get a brighter light that lasts longer than regular bulbs, and they typically are cheaper to purchase and will have less of an impact on your utility bill.
You can continue to help by thinking about the times when you don’t have to use any electricity at all. For instance, if you work from home during the day, then place your desk near the window so you can still see your work and you won’t need to turn on the lights until the evening. Also, consider unplugging electronics that don’t require constant power like televisions and stereos when they are not in use to avoid lost power via vampire loads that waste unnecessary electricity.
Many people also tend to waste a lot of water around the home as they take extra long showers and keep faucets on while brushing their teeth. Even if those habits are hard to break, you can still cut down on your water usage by swapping out your current faucets with low-flow options and doing the same with your showerhead and toilet. Of course, you can save water by jumping in the shower right away instead of letting it run ahead of time.
Eliminate Waste
While intentionally trying to use less water and electricity is a good start, there are many other resources that you could be wasting without even realizing it. For instance, if your windows are not properly sealed and caulked and your doors aren’t installed correctly, then you could be wasting resources by allowing heat and air conditioning to seep out of the cracks.
When your utilities need to work overtime, it takes more energy, and to produce that energy, requires the burning of fossil fuels, which is terrible for the environment. That is why it is exceptionally important to inspect those problem areas or have a professional out to take a look.
After you have made the necessary repairs, you again need to take a close look at your usage. Many people blast their air conditioning in the summer and their heat in the winter and they keep both systems on even when everyone is out of the house at work or school. It is a waste of resources to cool an empty house, but it is also easy to forget to shut it off when you leave for the day.
Luckily, you can use technology to help you to keep your energy usage in check. A great way to go in this regard is to install a smart thermostat that you can set, so it turns on and off at certain times of the day. You don’t need to turn the heating and air conditioning off completely when you are out of the house, but you should aim for setting the heat at about 68 degrees and the air conditioning at 82 degrees, which will keep the home in a suitable condition until you return and adjust the temperature.
Upgrades May Be the Answer
Of course, the thermostat is likely not the only appliance in your home that is creating a negative environmental impact. A look around your kitchen could find many culprits, including the refrigerator. Many people have refrigerators that run longer than necessary, and that means an exceptional amount of energy waste is occurring every day. If you have this problem, then there are plenty of troubleshooting steps you can take, including jump-starting the defrost timer and checking the motor. If you don’t know how to do that, then contact a professional.
In addition to fixing broken appliances, you can also update some of the tools around your house to more energy-efficient models. When you do, consider going with Energy Star-certified appliances because not only are they proven to cut down on unnecessary electricity, but they could also save you a bundle on your utility bills. Just about every appliance, from dishwashers to ceiling fans, has an energy-efficient counterpart, so shop around and see what works for you.
As a final point, if you really want to understand the aspects of your home that need an update or repair, then consider bringing in a professional to conduct a home energy assessment. Essentially, an expert will come and give your entire house a once-over and provide a full report on what can be changed. It is a great way to ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible.
In the end, while it is nice to cut down on energy usage and reduce your utility bills, you can really be proud that you are doing your part to help the planet fight the effects of climate control. Tell your friends and neighbors what you have done, and together you can all make a big difference.
