Since 1970, over a billion people worldwide have united together for Earth Day every year to support one common goal: reducing energy consumption. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, it might be a good time to start thinking about how you can do your part to help protect our planet. Whether you’re trying to lower your building’s carbon footprint to comply with local laws or save money on your utility bills at home, reducing your usage is easier than you think.
Easy Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption
You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to start lessening your environmental impact. Here are a few ways you can start reducing energy consumption:
- Power Down Your Computer
- Switch to Energy Star Appliances
- Use LED Bulbs
- Turn Off Lights & Unplug Devices
- Invest in Window Film
Power Down Your Computer
According to research by Harvard University, computers are a significant source of energy consumption in office buildings. Simply shutting down your computer when you leave work every night or having your employees power down their computers can help save energy. Even if you have a home office, leaving your laptop or desktop on all the time is a waste. Modern computers can be shut down and powered back on up to 40,000 times, so don’t be afraid to hit the off button!
Switch to Energy Star Appliances
Many older appliances weren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind. However, Energy Star appliances are certified to provide a certain amount of energy savings within a specific amount of time. There are over 75 different categories of Energy Star Products, from refrigerators to air conditioning units. Along with reducing energy consumption, Energy Star devices can help you save money by lowering your usage and through tax credits.
Use LED Bulbs
With lighting making up nearly 15% of a home’s electricity usage, switching to LED lights can make a big difference. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) use almost 90% less energy than traditional lighting and last 25 times longer. While switching all the bulbs in your house might seem tedious, it will pay for itself in no time at all.
Turn Off Lights & Unplug Devices
You can help lower energy waste by turning off your lights and unplugging devices when they aren’t in use. While it won’t make a massive difference on the bottom line, every bit helps and adds up over time. It only takes a few seconds to turn off the lights and unplug a device, so why not make it a habit every time you leave the house?
Invest in Window Film
You can make a more significant impact on reducing your energy consumption by investing in window film. Many window films are designed to reflect solar heat and better maintain interior temperatures. This not only leads to energy savings but it also helps reduce the load on HVAC systems. Along with improving energy efficiency, window film offers the following benefits:
- Retains natural light to reduce dependence on artificial lighting and save electricity
- Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays to keep occupants safe and protect against fading
- Offers a quick return on investment by lowering energy bills
Window Film for Your Home or Business
Whether you’re interested in window film for your home or business, our expert installers would love to help you find the best product for your needs. Reach out today for a free quote!
General Solar Company remains one of the most highly regarded window film companies in the Washington DC area since 1969. In that time, we have built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service. We serve clients in Washington DC, Montgomery County, Rockville and Bethesda, Maryland, and surrounding areas. To schedule an appointment for a free estimate, give us a call today at 301-231-9500 or contact us using this form.