If you are concerned about energy costs and the effect of fossil fuels on the environment, there are several things you can do to reduce your power usage and lower your energy bills. If everyone does their part, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions and lessen our environmental impact. While ending global warming will require more widespread change, the changes you make will help and can be personally fulfilling. Consider the following tips to become a more conscientious energy user.

Use Energy Efficiently

You don’t have to run your HVAC system continuously. Turn on the air conditioner or furnace when outdoor temperatures require the usage of the heating-cooling system to keep everyone comfortable indoors. When you’re away from home, either turn off the unit or adjust the temperature to require less energy use. Smart thermostats can be programmed to change the temperature throughout the day to fit your schedule as well as the outside weather.

Replace with Eco-friendly Alternatives

Consider installing solar panels on your home’s roof to harness natural sunlight for added warmth. If you live in a rural area, you may be able to secure wind power or hydropower if those options are available. You can also add more insulation to the attic to prevent loss of heat during the winter months. You may want to put up real window shutters that can be closed cold days or awnings to block the heat of summer to help cool your home.

Lower Your Usage

Set your home’s thermostat at a reasonable temperature and avoid extremes even when everyone is home. In cold weather, you can pull on a sweater or layer your shirts. Some people wear a light jacket around the house on extra cold days. During the hot days of summer, wear cool, comfortable clothing. Even minor adjustments like these may let you set the thermostat at a moderate temperature that can save money on the monthly energy bill.

Supplement with Natural Resources

When the weather turns warm and muggy, open the windows in the morning and evening to catch cooling breezes. Install ceiling fans in your most-used rooms to circulate the air. You could also run the whole-house fan for a certain amount of time each day to move air throughout the home, especially after letting the cool air inside from the opened windows. In the wintertime, use a space heater or the fireplace for additional warmth in hard-to-heat areas instead of cranking up the furnace to warm up each inch of your home. Close the window blinds to block heat in the summer while opening them to let in the sun’s warming rays during the cold months.

With a little extra effort and planning, you can make your home more energy-efficient while also doing your part to protect the environment. Check out these options for your home to see if you can conserve energy and save money. This can take time and resources, but if you have those things, making a more energy conscious home will be good for your wallet and the world around you.

 About the Author:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.