How to Reduce Energy Waste in a Small Home

Owning a small home allows you to avoid steep utility bills. However, maintaining a green lifestyle can make your home even more efficient. Here are a few tips on how to reduce energy waste., whether you live in a house, apartment, or condominium.

Unplug Appliances When Not in U

Many families have a bad habit of leaving their household electronics plugged into an outlet. Although these devices may be turned off, they can still draw electricity. Experts refer to these items as “energy vampires”. By simply unplugging your unused appliances, you stand to reduce your home’s energy consumption by up to 10 percent. Some of the worst energy drainers include computers, flat-screen TVs, satellite boxes, and entertainment systems. Using a multi-outlet power strip makes cam simplify the process: just flip the power button on the strip to turn off all the appliances plugged into it.

Efficient Cooking

When preparing a meal in the kitchen, always strive to use efficient cooking methods. Try to become less reliant on your oven and stovetop. It takes a lot of energy to heat these appliances. If you want to save more electricity, consider using a pressure cooker whenever possible. You can reduce your energy consumption for cooking by 70% by using one of these appliances. Some of the best foods to prepare in a pressure cooker include chicken, beef, and most vegetables.

Upgrade to a modern AC

In terms of overall efficiency, air conditioners have improved drastically over the past few years. If you own an older unit, it may be time to upgrade to a new AC. It’s an investment that will pay off big in the long run. Units with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) are designed to effectively cool a home while using far less electricity.

Insulate Your Home

Without adequate insulation, even the tiniest home will have trouble maintaining a constant temperature. Over time, your house can develop leaks. To prevent a loss of efficiency, be sure to seal up any small holes and cracks. You can easily fill these gaps using a simple caulking gun. Also, don’t forget to replace your home’s worn weatherstripping. You can also check for leaks using thermal leak detector, a low-cost infrared thermometer, or simply hold a piece of lightweight paper in front of areas of your home where you suspect leaks.

Keep the Sun Out

The sun’s natural energy can actually help heat your home during the winter. However, this is an entirely different story in the summer. When the weather starts to get hot, be sure to keep your blinds and curtains closed. You don’t want the heat that sunlight brings making your AC work harder. Alternatively, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you can close blinds and curtains on south-facing windows only during the hottest parts of the day.

You should take full advantage of your home’s small size. As you can see, there are some easy ways to save energy. Simply making a few home improvements and breaking bad habits can make a huge difference.

About the Author:

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

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