As we make our way through late spring, now is a good time to start planning ways to use less energy in your home. Not only can your plan help you save a little money on your energy bill, but it can help the planet, too. This is what we’d call a win/win situation.
Classic Living Homes is proud to be a LEED certified builder, and we are always ready to help homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint – whether it’s helping you build your own LEED certified custom home, or by sharing tips like the ones below.
Our top 9 ways (plus 1) to conserve energy at home
Replace air filters
It’s one of the simplest things we can do to save energy and keep the air in the house cleaner, and yet, it’s also something that’s so easy to forget. We recommend replacing your home’s air filters in your cooling system once a month or as directed. Set a reminder on your phone and keep air filters on hand so you don’t run out.
Use ceiling fans
If you’ve had your ceiling fans pulling warm air through rooms in the wintertime, go ahead and reverse their direction to help cool air circulate. Ceiling fans are an ideal way to cool down rooms while giving your home’s air conditioning a bit of a break. We love the look of ceiling fans as well, especially in rooms with vaulted ceiling (and on covered porches and patios, too!)
Shed some (natural) light
Open the blinds and curtains or switch to lightweight, sheer curtains and take advantage of the longer days. While you may opt to keep blinds drawn in certain rooms (depending on the direction they face) during the day, once the sun begins to lower, keep the lamps turned off and take advantage of the natural light. Tip: Mirrors reflect light and add more brightness to a room.
Turn off lights that aren’t in use
One of the easiest ways to waste energy is to keep lights on when they aren’t in use. Make it a habit to turn lights off when you leave a room. In fact, unplug anything that isn’t in use, like the toaster, wall chargers, stereos, or anything else that’s plugged in and using energy.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full
Dishwashers use the same amount of energy and water regardless of how full they are, so wait until it’s full to run it. And although you can choose how much water to use when washing clothes, we recommend doing laundry only when you’ve got a full load.
Use manufacturer’s recommendation for the refrigerator setting
If you tend to run the refrigerator and freezer on the coldest setting, you’re not alone. This habit, however, can get expensive and wastes energy. The thing is, so does running the fridge and freezer too low. That’s why it’s essential to set both using the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use green appliances
One of the greatest benefits of a new custom home is that it’s filled with green, ultra-energy efficient appliances. No matter where you live, however, you can reduce your carbon footprint by replacing old appliances with those with the energy star label.
Dine al fresco
Firing up the grill isn’t just fun – it’s an excellent way to save energy. Cooking indoors raises your home’s temperature, making it tempting to crank up the AC as soon as you turn the oven or stove on. So why not give the stove a rest and grill out instead? Love using the oven? Consider installing a full kitchen outdoors. Or, for a simpler solution, purchase an air fryer, an instant pot, or a combo.
Go out to eat
This tip may seem a little unusual but going out for dinner (or any other meal for that matter) gives you a chance to turn off the lights, unplug the appliances and give the air conditioning a break. Plan a picnic or visit your favorite local restaurant. Not only will you be saving a little energy at home, but you’ll also be helping a local business get back up and running after a tough year. Not ready for crowds? Order carry out or delivery instead.
Big way > LEED Certification
Probably the best way to save energy if you are considering building a home is to learn more about LEED. Take a moment to read our LEED introduction. If a LEED certified home is of interest, give the team at Classic Living Homes a call. We are committed to designing gorgeous, green homes that will last a lifetime while helping the planet thrive.
