Going green, eco lifestyle, and energy efficiency are all terms that sound buzzy and perhaps like another passing trend. However, embracing an energy-efficient and greener lifestyle offers many benefits to homeowners.

Greener living isn’t always an expensive way of life. While some energy-efficient upgrades could be more of an investment, some are free. All homeowners can take steps to decrease their energy waste, and these little changes could lead to a bigger impact if everyone embraced energy efficiency. Why is energy efficiency important? Here’s how it impacts homeowners beyond feeling good vibes!

Energy-Efficiency Can Decrease a Carbon Footprint

Every action that we take that involves energy may leave an imprint on the Earth. This isn’t an actual footprint, of course, but a term used to denote the impact that an individual’s decisions and habits have on the planet.

Eating red meat, for example, isn’t just about the cow that ends up as hamburger. The whole process to the cow ending up between the buns requires leaves a massive carbon footprint thanks to greenhouse gas (GHG). According to data compiled by the University of Michigan, “…beef’s GHG emissions per kilogram are 7.2 times greater than those of chicken.” In fact, anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of the home’s carbon footprint is because of food.

What about the rest of that household impact? Household emissions—including energy use—and transportation also leave a deeper dent that becomes part of the footprint. Heating and cooling consumes the most energy in the home, but the refrigerator also does its share of environmental damage. The University of Michigan also noted in its statistics that “…in 2019, an average of 672 lbs CO₂e per household was due to refrigeration.”

Embracing energy efficiency can translate to lessening the environmental impact from the home. These eco-friendly habits, upgrades and choices also don’t have to lead to massive financial investments. Here’s how homeowners can decrease their impact on the planet:

• Turn down or turn up the thermostat. This is a free energy-saving choice! During the winter, turn down the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, turn it up to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that heating and cooling is the dominant user of energy in the home. Making this simple change could be impactful.
• Pull out the refrigerator and clean the coils. A dirty fridge will work harder to cool, and this just wastes energy. Don’t forget to clean the coils. Homeowners who have never cleaned the coils can use the tutorial from Bob Vila. In addition, make sure the refrigerator isn’t pushed completely up against a wall; it needs a little space to breathe.
• Change the air filter in the HVAC regularly. This isn’t a free upgrade, but it’s something every homeowner needs to do to ensure that their HVAC isn’t working over time. The filter should be changed about every three months, but some filters may need to be changed more frequently. Set a reminder on a phone or device to check the filter!
• Use blackout curtains. If homeowners live in a very hot climate, blackout curtains could keep rooms cooler and relieve some of the pressure on the HVAC. Any home that experiences hot summers could benefit from blackout curtains.
• Upgrade a standard fireplace to gas. A standard wood-burning fireplace is incredibly energy inefficient. Heat escapes from the home, and the furnace will be forced to work harder. Instead, transform the old fireplace to an energy-efficient gas model.
• Install window film to add insulation. Use window film to further insulate the home and keep warm and cool air from making the HVAC work harder.

Energy Efficiency Saves Money

Not only is embracing an energy efficient lifestyle better for the environment, but it also saves homeowners money, too. Lowering energy use can mean lowering energy bills. Even little changes might add up to some savings over time.

Homeowners interested in more extensive energy-efficient changes can opt for upgrading appliances to more energy efficient options. Many of these appliances will include the ENERGY STAR label.

More extensive energy-efficient upgrades include installing solar panels, radiant heating systems or upgrading insulation to high-grade spray foam insulation. In addition, homeowners may even opt to build a geodesic dome home, which is one of the most energy-efficient home designs (although the shape doesn’t appeal to everyone).

Find Energy Waste with a Home Energy Audit

Homeowners who aren’t sure how much energy their home is using—or wasting—and who want to find ways to live greener can conduct a home energy audit. This involves reviewing past energy bills and going from room to room to identify areas of energy waste.

While homeowners can conduct their own audit, the app HomeSelfe can help simplify the audit. Homeowners will need to have their most recent energy bills nearby, as energy info will need to be entered via the app. HomeSelfe will prompt homeowners to take a photo of each room. The app will then identify all the areas of energy waste and give homeowners tips on reducing energy. HomeSelfe also helps homeowners find rebates, too.

Energy efficiency is important as it can help reduce a home’s carbon footprint. Even simple change could have a positive impact. In addition, decreasing energy use helps homeowners save money. Going green can help save green!