Sustainability has become important in today’s world. It’s obvious to people looking at the data and weather events that the climate is changing. That’s leading many people to look for options that let them live more sustainable lives.
The stats show that the number of people doing this is also increasing. Reports show that 51% of people are now interested in sustainable living.
Is sustainable living your goal, and you don’t know where to start? Read the guide below to learn how to get started.
Upgrade to LED Bulbs
Light bulbs don’t use much energy on their own, but having multiple lights on all day can lead to a lot of power usage. It’s even worse when you use old light bulbs that aren’t energy efficient.
Think about upgrading to LED light bulbs if you want to reduce your power usage. They use less power and last far longer than traditional bulbs.
You’ll pay more upfront when you buy LED bulbs. But in the long term, you’ll save money because of power savings and not needing to purchase as many light bulbs.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Not every appliance uses energy efficiently. This is especially true if you have old home appliances. There were no standards in the past, so companies didn’t do much to conserve power.
With the Energy Star certification, that’s no longer the case today. Consumers are now looking for this branding to see if an appliance is made with energy efficiency in mind.
You don’t need to upgrade your stuff immediately. However, you should look for the Energy Star logo when you need to replace something to ensure the product you buy has efficient energy-use methods.
Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Walls on their own don’t do a great job of maintaining your home’s climate. If you don’t have something in between keeping your indoor climate contained, you won’t be able to keep your home’s temperature comfortable.
Insulation is what helps you do that. It sits between both layers of your wall and blocks air from entering and leaving your home. The better your insulation, the better it can help your home stay comfortable.
The problem is that some insulation degrades over time. Get a professional to check your home’s insulation to see if it makes sense to get an upgrade.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t work from home and have children that go to school, the chances are good that your home sits empty for part of the day. Nothing is wrong with this, but it means you’re using more power than necessary to keep your climate comfortable.
Your home doesn’t need to be in a comfortable climate when nobody is there to enjoy it. All you’ll do in this situation is waste power instead of conserving energy and lowering your energy bill.
You can use a programmable thermostat to solve this problem. Set your thermostat to adjust your home’s temperature on a schedule. Doing this means that you won’t need to think about changing the temperature and will still be able to come home to a comfortable climate without waiting for the temperature to change after you return home.
Buy a Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters use a lot of energy. They keep water heated at all times. That means they are constantly drawing power to do the job.
You don’t need to go that route today. If you don’t need your water heated at all times, you can purchase water heaters that only heat water on demand.
These products are tankless water heaters. You can use them to replace your current water heater and reduce your energy bill. They may cost some money upfront, but once you make your purchase, you can recoup your money monthly as you save money on your power bill.
Stop Drafts
It’s not uncommon to have drafty homes when you live in an older building. This happens because your doors and windows start breaking down and letting the outside environment in.
There’s nothing you can do to stop this from happening. However, you can patch the problem after it occurs.
Look at all the windows and doors in your home to see if you feel any drafts. If you do, look for products that seal cracks and other problems. Doing this will help maintain your home’s climate and reduce energy bills.
Purchase Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great option if you really want to live an eco-friendly life and have some money to spare. You’ll be able to reduce your reliance on the power grid and use a green energy source.
But you’ll have a lot to consider before making this choice. You must consider your location, sun exposure, power needs, and payoff period.
However, if buying solar is in the cards, it’s one of the best ways to live a more sustainable life. You can also find tax credits based on where you live, like Solar Manteca, that make going solar even more attractive. See what your options are to determine if solar power is in the cards for you.
Sustainable Living Is Within Your Grasp
With all the talk about climate change and the extreme weather popping up each year, it’s no surprise that you’re interested in sustainable living. Reducing the strain you add to the world might not be much, but if enough people do it, you will see a difference.
Now that you’ve read the guide above, you have what you need to start green living and reduce your carbon footprint. Start making changes today to lower your utility bills and improve the world.
Are you interested in more lifestyle tips that will help you live a better life? Check out more guides on the blog to learn more.
