People often think that there isn’t much they can do to help the world become greener. Many people don’t think they should have to do anything at all. However, if people made a collective effort to live greener individual lives it would have a markedly positive effect on the earth.
Here are seven easy, low-cost ways you can make your home more energy-efficient, thus saving you money and having a positive effect on the environment.
1. Lower your thermostat
Homeowners and renters are all too comfortable with the idea of leaving their thermostat on high – even when they’re not at home. By lowering your thermostat just three to five degrees will use significantly less energy and save you money on your monthly energy bill. Furthermore, lowering the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees each workday will save 5% to 15% per annum.
2. Unplug unused chargers
Phone, laptop and smart device chargers amass plenty of unused energy over time – something that costs money and has a negative impact on the environment. Through switching off your chargers when not in use you will save on your energy bill as well as doing the environment a solid.
3. Showerheads: low-flow is the way to go
Low-flow showerheads greatly enhance your home’s water efficiency and lowers the bill. Low-flow showerheads contain a flow rate of lower than 9.5 litres per minute. Most conventional showerheads use double that amount – so this truly is a great way to save water and money on your bill.
4. Don’t run water if you don’t have to
The average homeowner can save hundreds each year if they don’t run unnecessary water. It is important to be conscious of when you are running unnecessary water: things like brushing your teeth, shaving and doing the dishes are some easy fixes.
5. Seal your windows
Sealing cracks and gaps in your windows is an easy and ultra-cheap way to reduce the need for home heating. All you have to do is add weatherstripping around drafty windows and voila – you’ve saved on your energy bill and helped the environment in the process. Blocking unnecessary sun from entering your house on particularly warm days is a great way to manage this as well. Try outdoor blinds from our friends at Slidetrack.
6. Reduce gas space heater usage
Although they are awesome for cold weather, space heaters use up plenty of energy and are not the best thing for the environment. Gas space heaters utilise 1,500 watts of energy to run and are an outstanding way to get a huge energy bill. If buying a gas space heater, make sure it is energy efficient, or just simply rug up more to avoid getting such a huge bill from this handy, albeit eco-nasty, appliance.
7. Get composting!
It doesn’t take much to start a compost bin. Compost is organic material that’s kept in a bin and decomposes over time. Fruit and vegetable waste is the perfect fertiliser: it’s full of valuable nutrients that are perfect for adding to the garden. What’s more, it reduces the amount of trash that goes into your bins.
