Energy Efficiency
Efficiency - It means getting a higher output from the input. We can strive to be closer to 100% efficiency to save us money, decrease energy consumption, and reduce pollution. To achieve efficiency in electricity, we must focus on the consumers' usage. Advancing efficiency can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 75%, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Take these steps with regards to appliances, eco-design, and energy transportation to improve your home's energy performance.
1. Appliances
First, target your home's biggest energy consumers. Examine your appliances to ensure they are certified to be ENERGY STAR or another exceptional energy standard. Products can earn the ENERGY STAR label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set in ENERGY STAR product specifications. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all ENERGY STAR products to be third-party certified in a recognized laboratory. Investing in ENERGY STAR products will pay off in reduced electricity bills and a lesser carbon footprint.
2. Eco-Design
Next, upgrade your home's design to be more energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR certification can also apply to new homes that deliver 30% greater energy savings than a typical new home. If your home is not certified ENERGY STAR, don't fret. You can still take meaningful steps to improve the efficiency design of your home.
Steps For Home Efficiency
Ensure effective insulation in your roof, loft, and walls or take a simple measure of adding a few rugs on wood floors (these work as effective insulators).
Double pane or hang curtains to improve insulation over windows.
Upgrade your furnace/boiler (an efficient one can save hundreds of dollars per year).
3. Energy Transport
Finally, improve your energy infrastructure. While this mainly applies to your energy provider, you can enhance the transportation of energy in your own home. If you can't ensure or upgrade your in-wall wires are insulated, make sure all your appliance plugs are protected. Additionally, keep unused devices unplugged. "Vampire" devices can gouge on your energy even when they seem to be off. Supporting legislative action and bills promoting energy infrastructure can strengthen your community's overall energy efficiency.
If we all take these steps, we can reach that 75% carbon reduction rate! Small actions can have enormous impacts. After you have reduced your energy usage as much as possible, consider installing renewable energy on your property or buying renewable energy certificates. You'll save energy, money, and carbon.
