| Energy is very important. Everyday, human | | | | - Improve weather stripping. Proper sealing of |
| beings rely on it for both work and relaxation. The | | | | windows, doors and trunks prevent air escape |
| quality of a person's lifestyle relies on it very | | | | from the heaters. |
| much. Without it, there will be no way for people | | | | - Check the air ducts of your HVAC and see if |
| to cook food conveniently, light up the place at | | | | there are leakages. If there is, have it repaired as |
| night without using candles, make use of | | | | soon as possible. |
| appliances or even drive cars. | | | | - If there are gaps on the floorboards, fill them |
| There has been a growing demand for energy. | | | | up. |
| As the population increases, so is its demand. It is | | | | - Closed areas that are unoccupied like attics, |
| good that for now, we have an abundant supply | | | | basement to prevent heat or cold from escaping. |
| of energy. However, too much consumption may | | | | 3.) Properly managing the use of electricity |
| lead to its depletion and worse, environmental | | | | - Switch off lights when nobody is in the room. |
| degradation. | | | | - If there is no so significant human activity, but 1 |
| But the environment is not the only thing that | | | | or 2 people occupy the room, light up critical |
| you should be worrying about; the budget too. | | | | areas of the home only. |
| Too much energy consumption could mean zero | | | | - Use energy saving bulbs like compact |
| savings. In fact, a big chunk of your family's | | | | fluorescent. |
| budget would be allotted to when in fact it is not | | | | - Unplug appliances when not in use. |
| the only important expenses you have at home. | | | | - Make use of a thermostat. If you do not have |
| So why allow all of these things to happen, when | | | | one, make sure to purchase it. This allows you to |
| there are things you can do to reduce impact to | | | | control the use of heat and cold that is |
| the environment? Why spend too much when | | | | appropriate at a given time. |
| you can lower the cost of usage without having | | | | - Water heater can be lowered to 120º F. |
| to sacrifice quality of use? | | | | 4.) Home Improvements |
| Improving Energy Efficiency | | | | - Make use of renewable energy devices like solar |
| This is your only road to savings and | | | | panels. |
| environmental preservation. There is nothing | | | | - Add insulation to your wall cavities and lofts; or |
| special about it. However, energy efficiency will be | | | | you can perform draught roofing. |
| achieved when you control the use of your | | | | - Improve duct systems that are poorly |
| appliances. At the same time, you need to replace | | | | constructed. |
| old and cranky ones to keep them working | | | | - Install light dimmers to regulate light depending |
| optimally. | | | | on the time of day. |
| Here are some tips: | | | | - Make use of plants to increase shading. |
| 1.) Containing warm and cold air within the | | | | - Appliances should be replaced when worn out or |
| occupied rooms or improve insulation | | | | should be properly maintained. |
| - Close curtains to prevent air from escaping. | | | | There are so many other ways to improve |
| - You can improve heat containment by using | | | | energy efficiency. Those mentioned above are |
| insulating paints. | | | | just some of them. |
| - When you sleep, make use of thicker clothes | | | | Practice all of these things. In the end, you will be |
| and blankets. | | | | happy to see a lower electricity bill and a |
| 2.) Prevent Air leaks | | | | long-lasting environment. |