Earth Day

Earth Day is just around the corner, and for many Americans, this is one of the few times that we really think about energy consumption in a meaningful way. This is a shame as our everyday energy consumption habits can play a huge role in our financial health as well as the health of our planet for generations to come. Our good friends at Nest have come up with some great tips that can help reduce energy consumption and your energy bills year-round, not just on Earth Day. Here are a few that we bought that were particularly useful.

Check Your Windows – If you are feeling drafts in your home, it is a great idea to check your windows for drafts. As windows age, they expand and contract which can negatively impact the structural integrity of the window’s seal with the wall. When you find a spot where air can get through it is important to plug the gap with weather stripping, caulking, or a storm window kit. Drapes and or shades that are well fitted to the window can also be a big help in reducing energy waste.

Check Your Doors – Doors are another big offender when it comes to letting outside air into the home. One of the best ways to combat having air enter the home while the door is shut is to install a draft seal on the bottom of the door. Another key is to get into good habits when it comes to leaving doors open when not absolutely necessary. Most of us have been guilty of leaving the door open while we are bringing groceries in or just going out to get the mail. While the door may not be left open for long periods of time, it can still have a significant impact on the indoor air temperature of your home.

Give Your Window Coverings A Workout – Window coverings can be a huge help in lowering the amount of energy used by your heating and cooling system. In the winter it is possible to raise the indoor temperature of your home by opening the window shades and letting the sun inside when it is warm. It is important to close them immediately when the sun is not streaming through any longer though, to keep the warmth in and cold out. In the summertime the exact opposite holds true, you can use your shades to block the sun in the daytime and open the shades at night to allow the cool air to permeate the windows at a faster rate.

Replace Your Filters – Replacing air filters in your heating and cooling system can reduce the amount of energy your system needs to heat or cool your home. Replacing the filters every month can dramatically reduce the load on your system, which can be noticeable in your heating and cooling bills.

We hope that the tips in this article have been helpful, and as always our team of experts is here to help you reduce your energy consumption 24/7. We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air proudly offers energy-efficient heating and cooling products, smart thermostats, and even solar systems to help you reduce your environmental impact and associated energy bills.

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