As you go throughout your day-to-day activities, you likely don’t think about the amount of energy you are using. In fact, you may be surprised at how much energy you are wasting on a typical day. This high energy consumption may be costing you significantly and driving up your energy bill. Luckily, by being more mindful of ways you are consuming energy, you can better cut down this consumption and save energy—and your monthly bills.
Let’s talk about five ways you may be consuming excess energy in your home.
1. Leaving Unused Appliances Plugged In
You may not realize it but by keeping random appliances plugged into the electrical socket, you are still using a considerable amount of energy. These products are still drawing power and contribute to your overall energy consumption. For example, items such as mobile phone chargers and computers are some of the most common items left plugged in. You will also notice items such as toaster ovens, gaming consoles, and more are left plugged in with little thought.
If you struggle leaving items plugged in while they are not in use, consider using power strips. You may also do a quick walk through your home every night before bed to look for any items that need to be unplugged.
2. You Run Temperature and Cooling Systems at Full Force When Nobody’s Home
The heating and cooling of your home are some of the biggest contributors to your energy consumption and your monthly utility bills. When you can reduce the use of these systems, you can save on your energy usage and put more money into your budget every month. To prevent coming home from work or long vacations to a home that has been cooled for long periods of time, consider installing a programmable thermostat. These items give you more control over the temperature in your home. They are also extremely simple to install and take very little time.
If you want to cut down on your cooling costs even more, you may consider whole house fans for your Los Angeles home. These products circulate the air in the home, helping to reduce high air conditioner costs and keep your home much cooler. An attic fan may also be ideal for your Los Angeles home as these items bring in cooler air and disperse hot, stale air from the home.
3. You Leave Lights On During Daylight Hours
A common way that many individuals waste energy throughout their homes is by leaving lights on during daylight hours. Rather than use natural sunlight to help brighten a home, they use artificial light. Lighting accounts for up to 10% of your monthly utility bill, and by cutting your light use in your home, you can save considerably month after month.
If your windows are in poor condition, you should consider replacing them. You will want to search for energy-efficient products that prevent the cool air from escaping. Skylights are also welcomed features as they help increase the natural sunlight in a home. If these items are old, cracked, or difficult to see through, a skylight replacement should be considered for your Los Angeles home.
4. Not Using Lighting Properly
Not only do you want to avoid leaving lights on during the daylight hours, but when artificial light is needed, you want to use it properly. For example, if you have young children who hate sleeping in the dark, rather than leave a hall light on throughout the entire night, install night lights throughout the home. Or, if you are reading in your living room, you may consider turning on the lamp next to the couch rather than turn on all the lighting in the room.
You should also be mindful of the lighting on the exterior of your home as well. By leaving these lights on throughout the night, you are also contributing to high energy use. Products such as site web solar power lights can still light up your home without costing you. You may also consider motion sensors that will only power on the lights when some type of movement is noticed.
5. Watering Improperly Throughout the Day
In the California sun, your landscaping could use a drink of water. However, you want to be mindful of when, where, and how often you water. For example, you want to avoid watering during the warmest times of day as the water will evaporate, meaning you pay for more water but your grass is not reaping the benefits. You also want to pay attention to where the water is hitting. If you have a sprinkler system, you don’t want the sprinklers to water sidewalks or gravel areas. You want to ensure all water is hitting the grass, trees, flower beds, and other vegetation. This may require some time spent outside working on the sprinkler system and servicing each individual sprinkler head.
Furthermore, many individuals may choose to use pressure washers to wash sidewalks, sides of homes, etc. This is another way you are consuming more energy and resources than is necessary. Take a few extra minutes to sweep your driveway or remove dirt from the side of your home. Furthermore, you should also be more careful when washing vehicles on your property. If you must wash cars at home, consider washing them on your grass to prevent wasted water on your driveway.
By being aware of the energy you waste each day, you will be more mindful of alternatives to many of your day-to-day tasks. This will not only be beneficial for the planet but your bank account will thank you as well.
Learn more about Skylight Replacement in Los Angeles.