Mar 3, 2012 By Jeff Malik 3 min read

As we work towards a greener future, one major focus can be energy use. We need to think about where our energy comes from, and how we use energy in our homes. Cutting down on the amount of energy we use not only preserves our natural resources, but it also saves us a good deal of money. The average homeowner can cut down on their energy usage – and bills – by cutting down on energy wasted. This requires a few simple home improvements. I’ve outlined some common, and some more obscure solutions below, which can lead to incredible savings on your monthly bills.

 

First, let’s go over the simple fixes. Weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows will cut down on heat loss. It’s also good to caulk any cracks or holes that might be in your basement or attic walls or ceiling. Adding insulation to any previously un-insulated areas also cuts down on your heating and cooling bills. A slightly more costly improvement would be to invest in a programmable thermostat. You can set the device to lower or raise the temperature when you leave for work in the morning. It can then be set to automatically heat (or cool) your home back to your desired setting an hour or two prior to your return. That way, you’ll never notice a difference in temperature, but your energy use and your bills will be lower. Finally, any appliances with the “Energy Star” logo have been tested and proven to use less electricity.

 

What if you’ve already done all of these things and you’re still looking to be more environmentally friendly? There are a few interesting ways to further cut down on heat loss at your home. You can buy simple, pre-cut, pieces of insulation that fit behind outlets and wall switches. These two fixtures are basically holes in your wall, but a simple piece of foam insulation behind the plastic cover will stop any cold air from seeping into the home. They usually come in bulk packs, for often less than five dollars. Installation is simple and can be done in a few minutes.

 

Now that your heating bills are reduced, let’s tackle your water bill. A large portion of our water bill is from flushing toilets. Commercial devices are available, that can be installed in the back tank of your toilet, to reduce the amount of water that is used with each flush. Alternatively, placing a brick in the tank, or a plastic bottled that has been filled and sealed, will produce the same effect. You can also purchase “low flow” adaptors for sinks and shower heads that will reduce the amount of water coming out. These are relatively cheap, and often, you cannot tell a difference in the water flow. With one trip to the hardware store and an afternoon of work, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and contribute towards a greener future for us all.

 

Jeff Malik is project leader of the SCA River Town Outreach Corps, an organization focusing on sustainable economic development in the towns along the Monongahela River supported by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Student Conservation Association. Contact him at jmalik@thesca.org.