So, you’ve made or are currently in the process of making the switch to solar energy and are now looking at some other ways that you can save money and help the environment in and around the house.
Here we will cover some other adjustments you may consider making to ensure you are living an all-round cleaner and greener lifestyle.
- Track your energy usage
Even if you are utilizing solar power, chances are you could still make reductions in your home’s carbon footprint by paying attention to how energy is used there. A smart energy monitor will help you to be aware of just how much energy your various appliances and devices are consuming in the course of the day.
Having this information will help you to pinpoint any that are using more energy than they should. Then you can take a look at alternative options to reduce this amount. For instance, these days, some appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and computers come with energy-saving modes that you could make use of.
- Install a programable thermostat
A programable thermostat can be used to monitor both your heating and cooling systems. This gives you greater control over the indoor climate control of your home, allowing you to both save money and reduce your carbon emissions.
These types of thermostats allow you to adapt the temperature control of your home to your schedule so that energy is not wasted on heating or cooling an empty house. Make sure you also consider the environment when setting the temperatures though, a single degree can make a great deal of difference.
- Start composting
This eco habit is on the rise and with good reason. Composting reduces waste by allowing you to reuse things that you would otherwise simply toss out. They also save you money on buying pricy fertilizer while ensuring your garden looks great.
Composting boasts multiple benefits for the environment, including diverting waste from landfills, improving air quality when treated as an alternative to waste incineration, and improving both local soil and water quality.
- Replace your lightbulbs
Lighting accounts for around 15% of the average home’s energy usage every year, and a lot of that may not be needed. Aim to make the best possible use of natural light in your home during the day to avoid unnecessary energy wastage.
Then try replacing your regular light bulbs with LED ones. These eco-friendly bulbs use up to forty times less energy than fluorescent ones. Multiply that by the number of lights in your home, and that adds up to quite a significant energy saving!
- Trade in your car
These days electric and hybrid cars are increasingly popular due to the fact that they are great for the environment, cheaper and more readily available. Switching to one of these cars will have a significant impact on your carbon footprint.
Alternatively, if you’re not ready or able to make such a big change, it might be worth simply looking at getting a more gas economical car. This, of course, has the added benefit of saving you money.
- Boost your heating efficiency
When it comes to heating your home, there are two potential problems that could be causing you to expend more energy and therefore pay more than you have to. The first is an old and faulty heating system, and the second is issues with your home retaining the heat.
If you suspect the former, its best to get advice from a professional. For the latter, adding insulation to your loft and checking that your windows are properly sealed could drastically reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat or even to cool your home.
