The Energy Efficiency Solutions You Need This Season
As we enter air conditioning season, energy efficiency is top of mind — whether you're concerned with sustainability, your energy budget or both.
Here, we offer seven energy efficiency solutions that can help you meet your goals this season.
7 novel ways to increase energy efficiency at home
1. Make room for more houseplants
From an energy perspective, houseplants are silent heroes — refreshing the air, soaking up sunlight and giving you a reason to bring natural daylight into the home.
2. Invest in a better dog door
Want to give your furry family members an "out" without letting air escape through their pet door? With the Freedom Pet Pass pet door, you can give your pet some freedom without the loss of air conditionng or heat.
3. Improve your home's connectivity
It's not just about convenience: high-tech tools can make your home more efficient, too. Several companies offer programmable thermostats and other products that connect for even better energy efficiency. The Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself, automatically saves energy when you're away, and can be controlled using your phone. In independent studies, Nest saved an average of 10 to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills. Wi-Fi-connected smoke alarms that speak to other smart devices can signal your thermostat to turn off the furnace if it detects carbon monoxide in your home.
4. Use sensor-driven power
We all know someone who can't seem to remember to power down devices when they leave the room. The WattStopper Isole' Power Strip is just one of many smart options for saving energy. Plug your computer, monitor, or other electronic devices into this power strip and place the tethered sensor under your desk. A few minutes after sensing you've left the room, those power-hungry machines will automatically power down.
5: Opt for the better bulbs
It's time to make the switch to LED bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs provide higher lumens per watt while using about 85 percent less electricity. Plumen light bulbs are as elegant as they are efficient.
It's likely not a surprise that your tablet, whether it's an iPad or a Kindle, uses far less energy than a laptop or desktop computer.
7. Grab a solar backpack
Stop worrying about low gadget batteries. A solar backpack allows you to charge your devices easily when you're on the go.