Homeownership comes with a myriad of costs, including mortgage, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and so forth. Some invisible costs can sneak up on you when the power bill arrives, forcing you to wonder how you and your family used so much energy. Besides altering your habits, you can use eco-friendly technologies to reduce your utility costs.
Heating and cooling
Almost 35 to 50 percent of your annual power costs come from heating and cooling. Beyond setting your thermostat to reasonable levels, some upgrades can help reduce your utility costs:
- Smart thermostats: Purchasing a smart thermostat could be a life changer. These thermostats automatically adapt to changing temperature and humidity conditions, your heating and cooling preferences, and can be remotely controlled. Most importantly, smart thermostats automatically adjust temperatures in subtle ways you don’t notice, keeping your heating and cooling needs as efficient and comfortable as possible.
- Motorized shades: Here’s another cool energy-saving technology—motorized shades. These shades can automatically open and close based on personally-set timers. Motorized shades can keep out the sun during the hottest part of the day, but let light in when it’s cooler.
Plumbing
Water consumption through plumbing helps comprise another large amount of energy usage. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that Americans average “88 gallons of water per day at home,” and adds that Americans on average “waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks.” To save on water, here are some appliances to invest in:
- High-efficiency faucet aerator: Installing a high-efficiency faucet aerator adds air to the water pouring from your faucet, reducing water outtake without sacrificing pressure. Finding the right faucet aerator for your needs will help with optimization as you reduce your utility costs.
- Smart home water meter: Another way to help cut utility costs is by installing a smart water meter. These meters analyze your home water consumption, therefore helping you establish a budget and change your water-spending habits as needed—or discover an expensive leak.
- Smart toilets: Upgrading to a smart toilet may help reduce your utility costs. These toilets can sense the correct amount of water needed for a flush and when to Additionally, they can protect against overflow.
Lighting
Though lighting tends to be less dramatic than heating and cooling, these energy costs add up over time. Here are some technologies you can use for efficient lighting:
- CFLs and LED lightbulbs: You’ll save the most money on lighting costs by switching out old lightbulbs with CFLs and LEDs, which not only use less energy, but also supply the same lighting capabilities. You can also opt for halogen incandescent bulbs, though these lamps tend to initially cost more than already expensive LEDs.
- Smart lights: Using automatic timers, motion detection, and remote controls for lights may help you reduce your utility costs. Forgot to turn a light off when you left the room—or the entire house? Smart lights can work with you to conserve energy.
Washer and dryer
Most washer and dryers on the market are already energy efficient, but you can ensure the most efficiency by purchasing an ENERGY STAR-certified appliance.
Entertainment systems
Perhaps unbeknownst to you, your television set uses energy even when turned off—a little something called phantom load. One work around is through eco-friendly surge protectors, which help cut down on the phantom load caused by plugged-in electronics on standby.
By taking steps to reduce your utility costs, you not only save money, but also add a little green to the environment. As you upgrade home appliances or look for a new home, consider these technologies that will save money in the long run.
For more tips for homeowners, continue following the Ryan Roberts Realtor blog! In the market to sell or buy a home in the Auburn, Opelika, or Lake Martin area? Call Ryan Roberts at 334-750-9872 or email [email protected]!