It seems like stories of the power grid going down make the news every day during the summer. Air conditioners draw a lot of energy from the electric grid — on hot summer days, the high use of electricity can overwhelm the grid, causing rolling blackouts or brownouts.
Electric companies are less likely to suffer brownouts if consumers lower their energy use during peak times. Most consumers find that heating and cooling their homes accounts for almost half of their utility bills, so both parties are equally motivated to find solutions.
Whether your goal is to save money on your energy bill or just do your part to lower your carbon footprint, performing an energy audit will show you where you can make an impact. You’ll achieve the greatest amount of savings by considering how all of the features of your house work together.
First, determine where your home is energy inefficient, and identify opportunities where you can improve. Then you can make a timeline of simple improvement projects you can do yourself.
Break your bad habits
Many people are surprised to find out that they can lower utility bills just by changing their behavior. Conduct a study in your home to find out which lights and electronics get left on most often. Once you’ve figured out which rooms or appliances are causing the most trouble, you can make a plan.
For example, you might find out that the kids’ bathroom light is left on almost all the time. In this case, it’s easier and more effective to automate light switches than to change your family members’ behavior. Install a motion detector that will turn the lights on and off when people enter the room. A less expensive option would be to place a note reminding the kids to turn the lights off when they leave the room.
Convert to using energy at night
Running the dishwasher, washing machine, and oven during the daytime raises the indoor temperature at the worst possible time. Take advantage of cooler temperatures and lower electricity rates by running appliances at night.
Fill your washer with soap and set the delay timer so that it won’t begin until evening temperatures have cooled off. Shift your usage to off-peak hours and save activities like baking or meal prep until outside temperatures lower.
Use your windows
If your windows receive direct sunlight during the day, they can contribute to higher indoor temperatures. Although this is helpful during the winter, it’s a good idea to have convertible window coverings that allow for the best use of natural light in your home.
Western Australians can maximize cooling efficiency by installing Westral awnings. Awnings are unique because they block solar radiation from heating your windows and entering your home, but allow natural light to pass through, limiting the need for artificial lighting indoors.
Install new thermostats
Controlling your temperature settings can help you save money and stay comfortable in your home. Smart thermometer manufacturers report that an average home will see a reduction of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling, and a well-programmed model can achieve almost the same savings. Since heating and cooling is nearly half of the average home’s utilities, this upgrade should pay for itself quickly.
Install a smart or programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature of the house when you are away. The more sophisticated devices allow you to control your home climate remotely and displays energy consumption in real-time, allowing you to budget for fluctuating utility bills.
Weatherize your home
Patching up air leaks is the fastest way to improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home — finding and fixing drafts can save you 20% on your heating and cooling bills. Air leaks are commonly found near windows, doors, light fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets. Look for gaps, cracked caulk, aged weather stripping, and windows that don’t close tightly. Use a fan or wait for a windy day to hold a lit stick of incense near these areas to confirm air leaks.
Once you’ve determined where the air is leaking, apply caulk — and foam insulation where appropriate — to seal the leaks. Apply new weather stripping to doors and windows.
Audit your energy use regularly
No matter whether you’re trying to save money or contribute to a healthier planet, limiting energy use is a good idea. Most homeowners are capable of conducting an energy audit and performing these simple tasks to make a home more efficient. You can impact how much electricity your home uses by lowering how much energy you are using, and take steps to improve your carbon footprint by making these small fixes yourself.
