With utility prices increasing year on year and concerns for our environment growing, more and more people are looking for ways to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your energy use and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. With this in mind, here are three ways that you could save money on your utility bills.
1. Minimize water waste
According to the Environmental Protection Agency – “The average American household uses around 300-plus gallons of water every day.” Using large volumes of water has a detrimental effect on the environment and will also increase your utility bills. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to conserve water in your household – here are a few ideas:
- Save water in the garden by purchasing draught-proof plants that can survive for long periods without water. You should also use a watering can instead of a hose to help minimize water wastage.
- Harvest rainwater using collection tanks, then use this in your garden.
- Take showers instead of baths and try to limit the amount of time you spend showering.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your face.
- Use a dishwasher, as they use far less water than washing your dishes by hand. However, make sure to only run the dishwasher once it is full.
2. Install a new furnace
Installing a new furnace can be an effective way to reduce your energy usage and save money on utility bills. This is because most modern furnaces are 90% efficient, which is far more than older standard furnaces or other household heating systems. Modern furnaces also come with a number of extras that can make them even more energy-efficient. For instance, some furnaces come with a variable speed fan that automatically adjusts its speed. These fans will reduce airflow to the minimum required in order to save energy. Not having the fan on full constantly will reduce energy usage and help save you money on utility bills. If you’re interested in installing a new furnace in your home, then you can find plenty of useful advice and expert guidance on www.actionfurnace.ca.
3. Reduce electricity usage
Using too much electricity will increase both your carbon footprint and utility bills. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to reduce your electricity usage and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Firstly, try to switch to entertainment that uses no electricity such as reading a book, drawing or playing a game. These activities reduce harmful carbon emissions and are also far more engaging than passive TV watching for example. You should also ensure that all electronics are switched off from the wall when not in use. Keep in mind that all electronics still use electricity even when they’re on standby mode. Another simple and affordable way to save electricity is by switching all of your incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient versions like LEDs. These use far less energy and also need replacing less often than traditional light bulbs.
