Earth Day is once a year, but every day we should be taking steps that help lead us to a greener future. It’s our responsibility to positively impact our environment, and it starts in our own homes. Here are five ways you can start helping the environment this Earth Day and save energy at home.
- Use natural light – Natural light is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy usage within your home. Instead of turning on the lights, open your blinds or curtains to let the light from the outdoors illuminate your household. Not only will this help reduce electricity usage, but it will also help the environment and lower your bill.
- Watch for energy “vampires” – An energy vampire is any appliance that uses energy even when it’s not in use. Examples include printers, game consoles, and coffee makers. When they’re not in use, it’s best to unplug the appliance at night or whenever you leave the house. This way you can avoid unwanted energy drain. There are also products that cut off electricity to devices when not in use, like this TrickleStar power strip available on the DTE Marketplace.
- Reduce your appliance usage – Many people, unconsciously, have habits of excessively using appliances in their homes. From dishwashers to washers and dryers, limiting the times you use them can have a big effect. Wait until your dishwasher is full before using it, or change the number of loads you wash weekly, and you’ll be saving energy in no time. In addition, choosing high-efficiency appliances that have earned the ENERGYSTAR® rating can help save energy and money on everyday chores.
- Use LED light bulbs – LED light bulbs use 70-90% less energy than regular light bulbs and have a longer lifespan. LEDs come in all shapes and sizes, so if you think there is a spot in your home where you can’t use LEDs, you may be surprised to find out there’s a LED bulb that will fit! Check out our Lighting Guide for more information: How to Select the Most Efficient Lights for Your Home | DTE Energy
- Ensure your home is properly insulated – It can be a hassle to keep your home the right temperature when you have an insulation issue that forces you to use the heat or air-conditioning more than needed. One quick way you can reduce your energy usage is by checking for gaps in doorways or windows that are letting air in or out and sealing up any air leaks. Learn more about insulating and sealing here.