How to Reduce Energy Use in Your Home

Summer is here and it is important to make sure your home can handle the heat!

Decreasing your energy bill doesn’t only save your pocket but, it will also help in the fight against our over reliance on fossil fuels to power our homes. These tips will help you decrease your energy usage and ultimately lead to a decrease in your energy bill:

Seal Your Home

When the mercury climbs, you’ll be using your air conditioner a lot more. If you have air leaks, you force your AC system to work harder. Sealing the leaks in your home will save you up to 30 percent on your energy bill. Leaks are typically found on doorways and windows, but make sure to check lesser-known culprits like electrical outlets and dryer vents. Once you find the holes, use caulk and weather-stripping material to seal them. You can also hire professionals to do a complete house audit.

Upgrading Your Home’s Lighting

Change out energy-sucking incandescent and CFL light bulbs to more efficient LEDs. CFLs are fairly efficient, but contain mercury, which is harmful to the environment. A single LED will last you 40 to 50 years, and a household with 25 LED bulbs will incur a savings of round $6,700 compared to incandescent bulbs. Go a step further by using natural light. If you have space to install larger windows that will help increase the amount of light that goes into your home, you can also regulate the amount of light (and heat) that comes with shades from a company like the Shade Store to help.

Harness the Energy of the Sun

Switching to solar is another way to reduce your energy bill. Although startup costs are high, you will see the savings relatively soon. You will also have the peace of mind that you are cutting down on your carbon footprint by using the rays of the sun. Elon Musk recently made an announcement that his company, SolarCity, is purchasing solar panel maker Silevo in an effort to create more solar panels and ultimately make solar energy more cost efficient.

Upgrade Home Appliances

It may be time to upgrade your home appliances, as well. Energystar.gov has a comprehensive list of the most energy efficient appliances, including everything from DVD players to air conditioners to refrigerators. Energy Star appliances will cost more than those that are not certified, but you will notice the savings on your next energy bill. Also, remember when you are upgrading your appliances to get rid of old ones. Refrigerators are the most common appliances that residents keep once they have gotten a new one; they also waste the most energy.

What other tips do you have? Make sure to keep add any more energy saving tips below in the comment section!

How To Go Green At Home

Top ten tips for going green.

Clear The Air is a green product and we care for the environment. It is important to take steps to go green at your home and we would like to share some helpful ways to do that:

1. Use Clear The Air – Our product is an all green product to eliminate odors all around your home. Once the granules are saturated you can dispose of them in your garden.
2. Use energy efficient light bulbs – Not only do CLSs save energy but they will save you money too; both on your electric bill and they last 10 times longer.
3. Unplug your TV, computer and phone charger – Basically anything that glows or is used to make something else glow uses energy even if they aren’t being used.
4. Recycle – Not just in the kitchen but your electronics as well. Items such as TVs, stereos, cell phones and computers can all be recycled and you can even get money for some of the items.
5. Buy your produce locally – Most food in the grocery store has traveled around 1,500 miles before coming home with you. If you buy from a local farmer you are not only getting the freshest food possible but you are saving money all the way around.
6. Check for leaks – Your home may have leaks in the toilet, sink, shower and more. A dripping faucet can waste up to 74 gallons a day. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day.
7. Don’t mow your lawn as often – More length on your grass creates more surface area to absorb sunlight which will create a thicker turf and deeper roots.
8. Buy energy efficient appliances – Look for the “Energy Star” logo on your appliances. They will use much less energy when you run them at home.
9. Wash full loads – This goes for your dishwasher and washing machine. Most energy consumed by washers goes to heating the water.
10. Use critters in your yard – Birds eat many insects. Just create a water source and trees and shrubs for cover and nesting. Ladybugs are great for your garden as they eat aphids. Visit The National Garden Association to find out other critters that are beneficial for your yard.