Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Your Home

There are simple actions you can take to reduce the impact of the choices we make in our everyday lives. To help you, here are some ways to reduce your family carbon footprint. You can save on utility bills and you can also help the environment.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

To determine how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, it is advisable that you conduct an energy audit. To reduce air leaks around doors and windows, you can use caulk or weather stripping. It is advisable that you insulate your water heater, attic, hot water pipes and furnace ducts.

You can also install solar panel for you to save on your utility bills and help the environment. You can contact solar installation Utah for assistance. They provide professional services and guarantee customer satisfaction.

If you have a forced-air furnace and opt for light bulbs that use less electricity such as compact fluorescent bulbs, you must change your air filters regularly.

Do Not Use Old Thermostat

A new one is very easy to install if you do not have a programmable thermostat. You can cut your energy use by as much as 15% by adjusting your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees when you are not home or you are sleeping.

You can open your windows instead of using thermal window covering and turn off your heating and cooling systems on nice days. You can also save energy by adjusting your thermostat by 2 to 3 degrees when you are at home.

Change Your Laundry Routine

According to research, you can eliminate 90% of a typical washing machine’s electricity usage by washing your clothes in cold water. By only using full loads or reducing water level for smaller loads, you can also save energy. Opt for dryer balls to speed up your drying time or just hang your clothes to dry when it comes to drying.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Unplug what you do not use because many common household items such as computers and coffee makers operate in standby mode that uses electricity. To turn off with a flick of a switch, keep electronics like computers and television sets into power strips.

Use Native Plants

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, outside water accounts for as much as 70% of all water use in some parts of the country, you can reduce your water usage and waste by selecting native plants that are well suited to local growing conditions.

Buy Local and Organic Fruits

It is true that the products in your local supermarket may have originated from countries all over the globe. All the needed equipment, as well as transportations, can quickly add up to a big impact on the environment.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Consider whether you really need it and whether you can buy it used instead before buying something new. At your local thrift shops, yard sales, and consignment stores, it is a good idea to recycle, donate, sell, or compost it when you are done with a product.