From major businesses to your local Phoenix AZ plumber, more and more people are changing their daily practices to save money and do their part in preserving the environment. Environmentally friendly practices can be effective in both the office and at home, resulting in the preservation of energy and a lower utility bill overall. It’s a win-win! Here, we’ll take a look at a few ways to go green in the cooler months.
Heating Solutions
With lower temperatures comes the tendency to increase the amount of time your home’s heating system is powered on. After all, your home should be a source of comfort, so don’t think that you have to turn your heater off entirely. Rather, take advantage of the sun while it’s out by opening the curtains on your south-facing windows; then, make sure to shut the curtains in the evening so that cold windows don’t add any more chill to your home. Note any drafty windows or air-leaking pipes; plastic frames or insulating drapes are great options for windows, and caulk or weatherstripping is effective in plugging up air leaks. You should also keep your thermostat as low as you are comfortable and decrease the temperature when you are sleeping or out of the house
According to Energysavers.gov, water heating can account for 14-25% of the energy consumed in your home. You can manually turn down the temperature of your water heater, but it’s always a good idea to talk to a Phoenix AZ plumber to get a better idea of how you can easily cut down on water heating costs. Things like solar water heaters or other systems can also reduce your overall water heating costs over time.
Holiday Costs
With Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and the variety of other fantastic holidays that pop up around this time of year are great fun, but they can also increase your energy costs. A quick fix is to use light-emitting diode – also known as “LED” – light strings when you’re decorating for the holidays. These lights are specially designed to reduce energy consumption while lending your home the festive look you’re looking for. The holidays are also a time when many families rely on their home appliances more than ever, with dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens needed for cooking the holiday meals many families look forward to. If you’re thinking about getting a new home appliance, look for those that are Energy Star-qualified to ensure that it will reduce overall energy consumption and save you money on your utility bill over time.
To learn more about easy and effective energy-saving tips, contact a Phoenix AZ plumber today!