Using energy efficiently in the home makes sense. It can mean lower bills and a reduced effect on the climate. But knowing where to start can be an issue. We use energy at home in so many ways, sometimes it isn't clear which energy saving habits are effective and which might be a waste of time. The good news is that energy.gov and other independent websites provide plenty of good advice and energy-saving tips and ideas to use every day around the home.
Using as little energy as possible and avoiding wastage are two elements that are the bedrock of energy efficiency. To live our modern lifestyles, we use electricity, natural gas, oil and other energy resources in a variety of ways. Whether it is for heating, cooling and lighting our homes or heating water and running appliances such as refrigerators and TV sets. But squandering energy can be expensive, and it can impact the environment. According to Energy.gov, by reducing the amount of energy we use in our homes we can save money, reduce pollution and lessen the effects of climate change.
Energy.gov provides a list of tips on how to make a home more energy efficient. Items include checking for air leaks, fitting home insulation and using energy-efficient light bulbs. As well, Energy.gov advises home owners to have their heating and cooling systems regularly inspected and maintained to make them as energy efficient as possible.
Eco Friend is another useful site that gives plenty of useful advice on how to reduce energy costs. The site explains that heating and cooling accounts for over half the total energy costs in the average home, and it recommends that home owners invite a home utility company to conduct a professional assessment to identify areas where energy is wasted.
Saving energy isn't only about remembering to turn off lights and turn down the heating: nowadays many home owners are generating their own energy resources. Energy.gov explains how to generate electricity at home through solar, wind, hybrid solar and wind and micro hydropower devices.
For more tips on how to save electricity, check with Smarter House, the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Wildlife Fund. For professional advice that caters to your personal energy efficiency needs, contact a Ragsdale adviser.
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