While flat pack homes are already some of the most energy efficient types of housing on the market, homeowners can still do more to ensure maximum efficiency. The benefits of achieving the greatest energy efficiency possible are both financial and social: you can save on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re moving into a new home, there are a number of simple steps you can take to make sure your energy usage is as efficient as possible. Read on to find out.
Change Your Water Usage
Water usage can be often lead to massive water wastage. There are plenty of cheap ways to ensure you get maximum bang for your buck when it comes to water usage. Start by switching out your current shower heads for low-flow showerheads, which will alter the flow rate of your shower to make sure you aren’t using more than necessary. You can also install a low-flow toilet system, dropping the flush flow from between three and seven gallons per flush to just 1.6 gallons each time.
Use Temperature Hacks
Heating and cooling your home uses by far the most energy, particularly if you live somewhere that experiences harsher climates. Simple steps such as replacing air conditioning with a ceiling fan or replacing your current thermostat with a programmable one that ensures energy is not used when nobody is home can save hundreds of dollars a year. Also, remember to make the most out of nature’s radiator, the sun, by exposing your interiors to daylight whenever possible.
Invest in Green Tech
The number of electronic appliances you use for entertainment will likely contribute significantly to your energy uses. Gamers are well acquainted with this: the average player of online slots games – an entertainment medium that doesn’t use up much processing power or electricity anyway – spends hours every day doing so.
Consider switching to an energy-efficient PC that will drain less of your precious electricity. This way, you’ll be able to spend as much time as you need reading up on paylines, paytables and betting in online casino slots, in order to take advantage of the best deals and games – all without you having to worry about mounting electricity bills. This goes for any electronic hobby: energy-efficient TVs, laptops, chargers and consoles are all available and are often even cheaper than their energy-greedy counterparts.
Switch Your Energy Source
If you have the means to do so, switching to a renewable energy source can reduce your carbon footprint to a tiny fraction of what it was. Explore your options for installing solar panels on your home, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of sunshine. A quick search on the internet will also reveal whether your home is suitable for a transition towards wind power, water power and even biofuel.
Consult the Tax Man
Once you’ve made these changes, it’s time to pick up the phone. If you’re in the US, for example, tax deductions of up to 30% are available to households that have invested in green energy; in the UK, businesses are entitled to “capital allowances” for purchasing energy-efficient or low or zero-carbon technology.
Energy efficiency just makes sense. So instead of burning your money, invest in these changes to ensure a healthier wallet and a healthier planet.