Homeowners are becoming more aware of their energy usage and how it affects the environment, and that’s definitely a good thing. If your goal is to pitch in and have a green home, you should definitely consider these four popular strategies:
Consider the Use of Solar Power
Alternative energy sources have become a popular way to go green and save money in recent years, and solar power is definitely leading the charge. In fact, many areas are adopting programs where if you max out on your collected energy with the use of solar power, you can sell any excess to the city for a tidy profit, thereby helping your community, too.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A simple way to reduce your carbon footprint is to lower the usage of your heating and cooling equipment. This can be done by maintaining better control over your thermostat. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat will help achieve this, as you can set the days and times of when the system is in operation. More advanced models can even be accessed remotely through a wi-fi connection.
Unplug Energy Vampires
Going green typically means lowering energy waste, so you definitely want to concentrate on items that have been deemed as “energy vampires,” which are appliances or devices that leak a small amount of energy even when they’re turned off. This includes toasters, microwaves, televisions, Blu-Ray players, and even cell phone chargers. Unplugging them will stop this energy drain.
Switch to a More Energy-Efficient Fridge
Refrigerators are notorious for the amount of energy they use to keep your food cold, and it’s one appliance that you can’t simply unplug to lower energy usage. The good news is that there are plenty of energy-efficient models on the market, so if your fridge is old, you may want to consider an upgrade as a way to help the environment and lower your energy costs.
For more expert advice on creating a green home or other comfort-related questions, the professionals at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can help. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Indianapolis for nearly 50 years.
