Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

Looking to decrease your carbon footprint? While buying from eco-friendly brands and using paper straws is a good start, it’s best to focus on the areas of your life that consume the most energy.

And if you’re a homeowner, then that’ll likely be your home, which accounts for more than 20% of the entire energy consumption in the US. Happily, there couldn’t be more ways to lower your energy consumption at home, and what’s more, many of the strategies will also have a positive impact on your bank balance, too. After all, what’s good for the planet tends to also be good for us.

Ready to begin your journey towards improving the well-being of the planet, without leaving home? Let’s dive in.

Install Solar Panels

Solar panel installations have been on the rise in recent years thanks to their effectiveness and the sheer amount of money that they can save for homeowners. While there’s a payback time frame, eventually the solar panels will pay for themselves and from that point, you’ll get to enjoy effectively free electricity, especially if you combine the panels with a whole-house battery. 

If you’re in the US, you can get a tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of installing the solar panels via the Solar Tax Credit. Just be aware that, though the credit was supposed to stay in place until 2032, the government is looking at shutting it down at the end of this year. 

Insulate Your Home

Keeping your property at the right temperature, especially during the hot summer and cold winter months, is paramount, yet the process does require a significant amount of energy. 

And if your home is poorly insulated, then it’s likely that much of the hot/cool air your HVAC system generates is escaping your home, resulting in your HVAC system having to work overtime — and your energy bills being higher than they should be. Adding insulation to your home can significantly increase energy retention, which means your HVAC system can work more effectively and you can enjoy lower energy costs. And the fact that it’s good for the planet makes it all the sweeter. 

Upgrade Your Appliances

In the vast majority of cases, consumers are encouraged to get as much use from the things they buy before buying a replacement, but that principle doesn’t apply to your home appliances. If your washing machine, dishwasher, and other household essentials are old (say, more than 10 years), then it’ll be worthwhile looking for a replacement. Modern appliances are much more energy efficient, which means you’ll get the same results while also helping to save the planet (and money).

Smart Home Technology

From collecting rainwater to growing your own vegetables, there’s no shortage of “back to basics” strategies for reducing your carbon footprint. 
But you can also improve your eco-credentials while also moving your home into the future by adding smart home technology, such as smart thermostats and smart power strips, to your property. All the convenience of the modern world, while also boosting the planet? Sign us up.

Image credit