Modern society is overwhelmingly dependent on electricity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart about how you use it. According to the Energy Information Administration, the average American household spends approximately $117 a month on energy bills. That means that a U.S. household will pay more than $1,400 annually.

You can use energy-efficient methods to decrease that amount. Aside from the benefits such methods have for personal finances, energy efficiency is also good for the environment. By reducing the amount of energy your home uses, you also reduce the amount of carbon and emissions created by the generation process.

Here are five effective methods for decreasing your energy consumption and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

1. Insulate Your Home

The appliances associated with either heating up or cooling down your home are some of the most energy-consuming devices. Space heaters and centralized heating systems, as well as air conditioning units, may be necessary to make your home bearable to live in, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be more efficient.

Insulating your home will help reduce costs associated with temperature control. Check all possible locations where air leaks can occur, specifically around windows, doors, and attic. Patching up these leaks will keep the hot or cold air inside your home for longer, removing the necessity of running heaters or air conditioners for extended periods.

1. Incorporate Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources such as the sun and air provide homes with clean power. Incorporating these clean energy sources into your home can be challenging, but they offer significant advantages. For example, solar-powered home batteries connect photovoltaic cells to a battery that decreases your home’s dependency on the local power grid at night. Environmentally friendly methods like these also entitle you to federal tax breaks.

1. Eliminate Hot Water Tanks

Hot showers are a part of everyday life, but the hot water tanks that stores the water tend to eat up a lot of energy. When your home uses hot water tanks, it uses up fuel or energy to keep its contents at the right temperature.

Instead, switch to tankless water heating systems. These systems work by heating the water only when the hot water tap is opened, directly raising the temperature as it flows through the unit. It’s also more convenient since you won’t have to wait for a tank to fill up before you take a hot shower.

1. Audit Energy Usage

Unless you have the training and the knowledge to do so, you won’t be able to spot all the things in your home that are energy inefficient. Contact an energy auditor who can go around your house and help you identify opportunities for improving efficiency. Their findings will be invaluable in overhauling your energy usage.

1. Reduce Everyday Energy Consumption

Finally, go through your day-to-day activities and see where you can pare down your energy usage. For example, leaving electrical appliances turned on even when you’re not using them can have a cumulative effect on your bill. Opening your refrigerator doors for prolonged periods has a similar outcome. If the day is bright and sunny, open windows and curtains rather than your light bulbs. Small efforts like these can whittle down your energy usage.

From large-scale efforts such as incorporating renewable energy to smaller efforts like using natural light, it’s possible to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Every step you take is one closer to a sustainable future.

Meta title: 5 Methods for Improving Energy Efficiency at Home

Meta description: The average American family spends more than $1,400 on energy bills annually. Discover five useful ways you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Hemant Kumar