Energy sustainability practices at home

Energy sustainability practices at home to save money and limit your carbon footprint

Do you want to reduce your expenses but don’t know where to start? There are energy sustainability practices at home that offer a practical solution to lower your utility bills and limit your environmental impact. Just by making simple changes in your life, you can achieve a lot. Are you ready to make the change?

Adjust your daily habits

One of the easiest ways to save energy is by changing your daily habits. Start by turning off lights and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use. You can also reduce the usage of energy-intensive appliances by performing tasks manually. For example, air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer or washing dishes by hand can save energy. Even adjusting your thermostat settings can lead to greater savings: lower your heating in the winter and reduce air conditioning in the summer to cut heating and cooling costs, which account for nearly half of your home’s energy bill. Also, consider using an energy monitor to identify which appliances consume the most electricity and make adjustments accordingly.

Get rid of your old light bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are known for their high energy consumption and relatively short lifespan. To enhance your energy sustainability practices at home, consider transitioning to more energy-efficient lighting options that can make a significant impact on your energy usage. Replace old bulbs with halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These alternatives can reduce energy consumption by 25-80% and typically last much longer than standard incandescent bulbs.

While energy-efficient bulbs often have a higher upfront cost, their long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. Due to their reduced energy use and extended lifespans, these bulbs offer considerable savings over time. For the best results, look for bulbs that have been certified for energy efficiency.

Use smart power strips

Have you heard about the term phantom energy before? Also known as standby power or vampire power, refers to the electricity consumed by appliances and electronic devices while they are turned off or in standby mode. Smart power strips can help solve this issue by cutting power to devices when they are not in use. They can be set to turn off at specific times or based on the status of a master device, saving you up to €100 per year.

Switch to a programmable or smart thermostat

This device can automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you’re asleep or away, making it a key component of effective energy sustainability practices at home. It has been reported that smart thermostats can save around 8% on heating and cooling bills, amounting to about €50 annually. These devices can also alert you when it’s time to replace air filters or if there are issues with your HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).

Opt for energy-efficient appliances

When investing in new appliances, remember that energy efficiency should be a key consideration. While appliances with higher energy efficiency ratings may come with a higher purchase price, they generally offer lower operating costs, which leads to significant savings over time. Besides, energy-efficient appliances are designed to consume less energy while delivering the same, or even better, performance compared to standard models.

For example, high-efficiency washing machines use approximately 20% less energy and 30% less water than conventional washers, leading to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and other major home appliances also come in energy-efficient versions that consume less electricity and can help you save money.

All in all, choosing appliances that are designed to minimize energy consumption is a smart long-term investment. They contribute to reducing your household’s carbon footprint while helping you manage your budget more effectively. Always check the energy efficiency labels and specifications to ensure you are selecting appliances that offer the best balance of performance and cost savings. You can also check the European Product Registry for Energy Labeling (EPREL) database, which provides access to detailed information about a wide range of products, including essential metrics such as energy efficiency, water consumption, durability, and reparability.

Limit your water heating expenses

The water heating bill is one that many households dread every month due to its high cost. To handle this situation, incorporate energy sustainability practices at home by using less hot water, lowering the thermostat on your water heater, or insulating the heater and pipes. Consider upgrading to an energy efficient water heater, which can save you money in the long run by reducing energy consumption.

Install energy-efficient windows

Have you ever noticed that even when your heating system is on, you still feel cold because air is slipping through your windows? The reason might be that your windows are not energy efficient. It is recommended to replace single-pane windows with double-pane or low-e storm windows that can help retain heat in winter and reduce cooling costs in summer.

Upgrade your HVAC system

An outdated HVAC system can be inefficient and cut into your savings. The best option is to install air source heat pumps, which are highly efficient and can provide both heating and cooling. Also, ensure that your ventilation system is properly sealed and insulated.

Weatherize your home

When we speak about “weatherizing”, we mean sealing air leaks around your home to reduce heating and cooling costs. Common sources of air leaks include vents, windows, and doors. Use caulk for stationary leaks and weather stripping for moving parts. Proper insulation in your attic and walls can further enhance energy efficiency and cut utility bills.

Wash your clothes in cold water

Did you know that washing clothes in cold water can save a substantial amount of energy? This practice is a valuable aspect of energy sustainability practices at home. Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used in washing machines. Besides, cold water washing helps extend the lifespan of your clothes.

Clean and replace air filters

This is one of the aspects of home energy efficiency that is often overlooked. In fact, cleaning regularly or replacing the air filters in your HVAC system can have a noticeable impact on the system’s performance and overall energy consumption. When air filters become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, they restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

Keeping air filters clean helps ensure that air flows freely through the system, allowing it to operate more smoothly and efficiently. This simple maintenance task can reduce energy consumption by up to 5%, translating into lower utility costs and a more comfortable home environment. Additionally, clean filters help improve indoor air quality by trapping dust, allergens, and other particulates, which can be beneficial for health and comfort.

Depending on the type of filter and the level of usage, filters should generally be checked every month or two, with replacement or cleaning as needed. Many HVAC systems come with reminders for filter maintenance, but it’s also wise to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model.

Make the most of your natural light

Use natural sunlight to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. But, how can you do this? Use window shades to manage heat gain or loss and arrange your living spaces to take advantage of sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, consider installing skylights or light tubes to bring more natural light into interior areas that may otherwise remain dark.

Smart decisions, smart savings

Incorporating energy sustainability practices at home is essential for reducing both your environmental impact and your utility bills. The simple task of turning off your appliances while you are not using them or switching to more efficient lighting can make a big difference.