# 4 Tips to Reduce Energy Usage at Home - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/09/4-tips-to-reduce-energy-usage-at-home/ - Published: 2017-09-19T03:23:48-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy For a homeowner, reducing energy usage at home not only reduces your carbon footprint. Yet it also greatly reduces your energy bill. If you’re looking for ways you can start living a more “green” lifestyle. Also or you just want to save more money. So here are four tips to help you get started. ### Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances When you think energy-efficient appliances, ENERGY STAR is the trusted label that comes to mind. Widely recognized, ENERGY STAR appliances meet the strict energy- efficient requirements. Those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When you choose [ENERGY STAR appliances](https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/ENERGY%20STAR%20Appliances%20Brochure_508.pdf?2c10-437b), you’re saving money and saving energy. Moreover and all without sacrificing quality. For example, choosing an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher. Well, it is 10 percent more energy efficient. Also it’s 20 percent more water efficient. Most noteworthy, it will cost you $35 less annually compared to a standard dishwasher. However, It doesn’t stop at dishwashers. All because ENERGY STAR offers over 65 different products for your home. That’s ranging from lighting and appliances to consumer electronics. ### Choose the Right Lights There are a few choice when it comes to energy-efficient lighting, but light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the way to go! Although these bulbs cost you more upfront than traditional incandcscent bulbs. All because they save you money in the long run. I mean and most importantly, use less energy. Most people are aware of LED light bulbs. However, there are several other appliances and electronics that use light. For example and like your refrigerator. Also you microwave and security camera. So and then that television, to name a few. By choosing energy-efficient options, specifically LED, you will reduce your energy usage. For example, [Lorex Technology](https://www.lorextechnology.com/products/) offers several security cameras with LED lights and LED screens that are energy efficient and high quality. In addition, previously discussed ENERGY STAR appliances also utilize LED lights that are more efficient than their counterparts. ### 󠀁[⌊4 tips to reduce energy usage at home⌉⌊4 tips to reduce energy usage at home⌉󠀁[ ### Unplug Idle Electronics Even after shutting down the computers for the night, turning off the TV and switching off all of the lights. I mean your [electricity meter is still working hard](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/keep-your-devices-wasting-energy-and-money). Nearly one-quarter of home energy use is consumed by vampires. No no; not blood- sucking vampires. However, rather devices and appliances that are still plugged in. Thereby wasting electricity even after they are switched off. The Natural Resources Defense Council and affiliates partnered to asses the impact of these vampire electronics. So it found that inactive devices waste about $165 per U.S. household on average. That’s translating to approximately 50 large (500- megawatt) power plants’ worth of electricity nationwide. Unplugging these vampire electronics, or at least reducing their affects, starts with purchasing power strips that are easily flipped on and off. Because timers that shut down electronics when they’re not in use. Also and turning off “quick start” options on your TV or gaming consoles. That’s so the energy grid isn’t being utilized on stand-by. ### Be Smart When Heating and Cooling Properly and efficiently insulating your home, including windows and the ceiling. That cannot be emphasized enough. This will keep your home cool in the summer when you have the air conditioner on and warm in the winter with the heater running. Although you should leave insulation to professionals. So the U.S. Department of Energy has great resources for where you should start if you’d like to make your home more energy efficient. All the while reducing energy bills. First, you need to find out how much insulation you’ll need and where it will go. This includes hiring a qualified home energy auditor to conduct an insulation check. One which identifies areas of your home that need to be sealed. All before you begin insulating. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)