3 Ways To Convert To A Green Home
Make everything green this St. Patrick’s day, including the home. Industry leaders have helpful methods that can save homeowners money and energy by switching to energy-efficient appliances.
With just a couple of changes, homeowners can be well on their way to a greener home. Whether it’s a smart thermostat, solar panels, or more subtle changes, homeowners can make the most of their eco-friendly alternatives. Read on for more helpful tips from experienced “green” electricians.
Embrace The Sunlight
Allowing natural sunlight into the home not only makes the home brighter, but there are psychological and physical benefits when the proper amount of sunlight is brought into the house.
For starters, natural sunlight has shown to significantly reduce the harmful bacteria and organisms that may be lingering around the home. It’s not only a natural disinfectant, but it saves energy because homeowners don’t need to utilize lightbulbs. It also boosts the immune system and increases both vitamin B and D levels.
Moreover, sunlight has been shown to increase mood and productivity. Workers who were exposed to imitation lighting missed more days than those who were exposed to natural sunlight.
Switch To Green Appliances
No, we aren’t talking about the color green. We mean to switch to appliances that leave less of a carbon footprint and save energy. Any local HVAC technician and electrician can assist homeowners with choosing the best energy-efficient appliances for the home. One such appliance is a dishwasher. In 2019, the EPA improved its standard for dishwashers. New dishwashers use fewer kilowatts per hour, consume less energy annually, and save more water than handwashing.
Another appliance to consider is a ceiling fan. Why? Because when living in humid or particularly hot areas, a ceiling fan can create a wind-chill effect that makes the room seem cooler. It can’t completely replace an air conditioner, but it can decrease how much energy is being used. One factor to remember is that a ceiling fan will be needed for each room in which the family spends a significant amount of time. Energy Star units can boost efficiency by 20 percent.
If You Don’t Use It, Unplug It
Leaving unused appliances plugged in can cost a homeowner an additional $100-$200 in electricity each year. When these devices aren’t being used, whether a computer, tablet, or lamp, they should be unplugged. They don’t use a ton of energy alone, but when there are many different unused devices plugged in at once, it can definitely make a difference.
There’s a handy little gadget that allows homeowners to see how much energy each device is using. It’s called a handheld electricity monitor. It gets plugged into an outlet, and the device in question gets plugged into it. It will then visualize the wattage being used at that given time.
About Solaris Electric
Solaris Electric is a family-owned and operated company in Orlando, Florida. They offer 24/7 service for quick or emergency repairs, financing options, upfront pricing, satisfaction guarantee, and various coupons on their website. Contact them to learn more about eco-friendly alternatives in Orlando.
