Part of a minimalist lifestyle is learning to reduce your consumption. You can do this by considering alternative energy resources and other ways you can minimize your use of gas, electricity, and water. Here are a few ways you can downsize your energy bills, that will benefit both the environment and your wallet.
Insulation
The best way to reduce your energy bills and run a more sustainable home is with proper insulation. Therefore, you should upgrade all your windows and glass panes to double or triple glazing. This will help protect you from the elements and save a lot on heating or air conditioning. To get started, you should get in touch with a window replacement company that can assess your requirements and provide you with a range of eco-friendly styles to choose from. This could include fiberglass or vinyl windows – both of which are incredibly durable and eco-friendly. This means that they will ensure that energy such as heat will not escape your home – keeping you warm all winter long. Furthemore, installing new windows will also increase the value of your property significantly – enhancing your curb appeal. This is great news if you are planning to move in the near future – as buyers are always on the lookout for eco-friendly homes that look great while being sustainable!
There are plenty of eco-friendly insulation solutions for different parts of the house. These include icynene, sheep’s wool, and cotton. These will reduce your energy bills dramatically. Check your caulking and weather-stripping around the house as well. When these start to succumb to wear and tear, they let heat out of the gaps. These foam strips are easy to replace and install, have a look at this simple guide.
Go solar
Domestic solar panels have improved significantly in recent years, and are now becoming a trend. More and more homeowners are making the decision to go solar. Not only are they better for the environment but they’re also an investment for your future. By going solar you’ll benefit from tax reductions and solar panels even add value to your home. They’re easy to install and set up than you might think. Find out more about solar energy and solar companies.
Electrics
If you’re not able to make the upgrade to alternative energy, there are ways you can still reduce your electricity consumption. It’s recommendable to do some research into your appliances as it may be time for a more eco-friendly upgrade. There are more modern appliances that are much more energy-efficient. Most modern appliances are “smart” too and you can set them to timers from your mobile phone and other devices.
Replace all your existing lightbulbs, inside and out with LEDs. These are much more energy-efficient and very durable. They will last you years and can withstand extreme weather conditions as well. It’s better to arrange lighting to maximize the use of light in the space, so think about where you can point your lights to help scatter light around the room.
Water
Try to avoid wasting water where possible. Take shorter, less frequent showers and don’t leave the faucet running. Ensure your pipes are in working order and that you don’t have any leaks. Undetected leaks are often the cause of water bills skyrocketing. You could even try collecting your own rainwater. Check out this guide to rainwater harvesting
There are plenty of ways you can downsize your bills just by taking care not to waste energy. Always consider the more eco-friendly alternative as this will save you money as well as being better for the environment.
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