This is a great start to do your own energy audit at home!
I mean great energy efficiency suggestions that are simple and easy to solve!
The weeks before winter officially arrives can soon be counted by fingers on one hand. As those digits fold away until the 22nd of December, brushing up on how to lesson your carbon footprint – and save money – can be a wise choice for several reasons. Other than the retail world, many industries have slower workloads than usual. Tucked into spurts of holiday activities. Because a little online learning amid shopping site visits works.
Audit lately?
Companies with significant energy costs often are willing to pay professionals. They pay for an energy audit of their facilities. This is to identify waste and opportunities to conserve their usage further.
So I am not suggesting you hire an energy usage expert. Because the main idea here is that you become your own energy auditor. Applying the same principles behind the practice used by big businesses, you can use just a little down time. That’s to inform yourself as to how you can cut back and save.
a) History
There’s an adage that states “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.” Start collecting information about temperatures during past winter months and your BTU usage. It’s available from your power provider. That’s so you can compare the figures and look for patterns.
b) Inventory
Focusing on winter (which will also apply directly to your summer usage), perform a thoughtful Google search to review a few quality home energy audit checklists, and compile your own tailored list. You don’t have to perform all of the checks at once, so space your inspection out, but remember to move at such a pace as to leave time for repairs.
c) Conservation points
At this final stage, you will have all of the measurable data by which to weigh economic decisions about which conservation projects can be justified based upon your finances. Short of replacing HVAC equipment, most of these projects involve more elbow grease than parts costs. As such, this time of year is perfect for budgeting time between other events to fix, improve, stuff, strip and nail down those energy saving areas of your home.
Your conscious is fine
That you’ve considered and taken action to improve the environment is laudable; that not all of your motivation for doing so wasn’t purely altruistic is just fine. By having a plan based upon usage and spending, you can estimate what some call an energy saving dividend, the amount you’ll save through greater energy use efficiency. While some of that may go towards short-term payment for upgrading of heating and cooling plants, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll save annually. The environment won’t care if you set a goal of taking that class you need to finish out a degree or for another green upgrade on your transportation means. Spring is sure to follow winter and purchasing a sturdy bike could be a great way of doubling-down on your commitment to living a more environmentally considerate life!
About the author: Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area. She specializes in technology and social media articles. Lindsey is currently completing work on her graduate degree.
