Energy efficiency and energy conservation both result in your home using less energy. While these strategies are great for reducing the amount of energy used in your home, they are not the same. Energy conservation results in not using any energy at all. On the other hand, energy efficiency is tied to the technological aspect of your energy use. You will want to learn about the differences between energy efficiency and energy conservation so that you keep your home comfortable and save some money.
What Is Energy Efficiency?
The practice of saving energy by using it more efficiently is known as energy efficiency. In other words, energy efficiency is using less energy to provide the same type of service. For example, when you replace your single pane windows with energy-efficient ones, those new windows will prevent heat loss during the wintertime. In turn, you will save money by not relying on the electric heater or furnace in the colder months.
Those windows can also help in the summer. Energy-efficient windows will help to keep the heat out, and you will not have to run the AC often as you save on electricity. When you replace an old appliance, like a refrigerator or washing machine, with an energy-efficient model, it provides the same service but uses less energy. With these upgrades, you can save money on your home’s energy bills.
Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency
Your home should be checked for any appliances or systems that are costing you money and energy. It is effortless to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and you could start looking for the issues right now. You should check your older appliances, leaky doors and windows, and heating and cooling systems. These areas can use a lot of energy and contribute to higher home energy bills.
If you find a higher energy user, then you should think about replacing it. When purchasing new products, you want to look for the Energy Star labels on electronics, light bulbs, and home appliances. These products have to meet strict guidelines to achieve energy efficiency. While the initial investment will be high, those lower energy bills will pay back the investment in no time. There are other items that you should check around the home, including:
- Seal any cracks, loose joints, and holes in your ductwork. These leaks can lose about 20 to 30 percent of the air as it moves through the ducts.
- Seal any air leaks that could cause your air conditioner to work harder to cool down your home.
- Inspect your air filter every month. You should change a dirty filter as it will make your system work harder to cool or heat your home.
- Insulate any unconditioned areas like an attic or crawlspace. You can keep the air warm as you save some money.
- Lower your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. That temperature is warm enough to meet all your needs.
- Insulate your water heater pipes and tank. With this measure, you can save up to nine percent on your water bill.
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes. You can also wash at the lowest setting of the machine.
- Put all your outdoor lights on a timer. When it is light outside, they can turn off and save you some money.
- Purchase a programmable thermostat for your home and appliances. With this type of thermostat, you can control the settings. You will want to program it to 72 degrees at home and 82 while at work. It is important to remember that for every degree you set back for eight hours, you can save around three percent on your cooling bills.
- Replace all the incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). These light bulbs will use 75 percent less energy, and they can last ten times longer than traditional bulbs.
What Is Energy Conservation?
Energy conservation is the practice of changing the way that you use energy. In many cases, you can reduce your energy use or going without a service to save energy. Many people turn off lights, unplug devices, or walk instead of driving. These small acts are known as energy conservation. With energy conservation, you can gain control of your home’s energy bills and help to reduce the need for using some of these valuable earth resources. There are many ways that you can save money on energy bills with some conversation tips. By changing the way you use energy, those steps can lead to significant savings over the year. Some energy conservation tips include the following:
- Turn off all the electronics, such as entertainment centers, televisions, and computers. These devices can use several watts even when they are in “standby” mode.
- Shut the lights off in the room when you leave.
- Air dry clothes and dishes.
- Take short showers instead of drawing a bath.
- Turn off the air conditioner and open your windows.
- Make sure your windows and doors are closed when the heating or cooling system is operating.
- Purchase low-flow showerheads to reduce water.
With these small tips, you can save some money and reduce your carbon footprint.
The general purpose of energy efficiency and energy conservation are the same, but there are slight differences in their processes. You can think about these terms like a car. If you want to practice energy efficiency, then you will make sure the vehicle is in top shape. By contrast, energy conservation can happen when you drive your car less by biking to work or arranging a carpool. With these changes in your behavior, you can save some money on your home’s budget.
RGB Construction can help you find the right energy-efficient products for your home. We can make sure your home is not losing any energy or find the source of those increasing those energy bills. With a few small changes, you can improve your bank account and save the natural resources of the earth.
If you would like to know more about energy-efficient appliances and home products, make sure to fill out the contact form.
