A Guide to Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Household Appliances
Today’s households are packed with more appliances and electronics than ever. Thankfully, with innovations in energy efficiency, it’s possible to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the comforts of modern living. From simple daily choices like switching to LED lighting to investing in energy-saving appliances, there are countless ways to reduce power usage in your home.
If you’re wondering how to lower your electricity bill, the Freedom Storage Management team has gathered insights and tips to help you enjoy energy savings.
Why Saving Energy Is Important
Despite the rapid technological advancements and increase in household electronics over the past 50 years, the average U.S. total per-capita energy use has stayed surprisingly steady.
How? While we now have more gadgets, from smart thermostats to robotic vacuums, appliances have also become far more efficient.
LED lighting is up to 10 times more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, and though most people charge their phones daily, the energy this requires is minimal. A phone only consumes about 10 watt hours per charge, equivalent to what it takes to power a traditional 60-watt bulb for just 10 minutes. So, where else can you make simple upgrades to save energy?
Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances
Outside of air conditioning, the kitchen tends to draw the most power in your home, making it a great focus area for our energy-saving improvements. Energy-efficient kitchen appliances lower monthly electricity bills and extend the lifespan of these appliances. Many newer models are even equipped with smart sensors to reduce power use.
Should I Use Gas or Electric Stovetops?
Gas and electric options offer their benefits—gas stoves heat up instantly, which is efficient if used properly and is preferable by many people for quicker cooking. Electric stoves, while slightly slower to heat, are generally more energy-efficient when it comes to maintaining a consistent cooking temperature.
Eco-Friendly Home Appliances and Materials
If you’re looking for eco-friendly home appliances that balance speed and efficiency, go for an induction cooktop. They heat cookware directly using electromagnetic energy, reducing waste heat and requiring less electricity overall. reducing waste and lowering emissions. Other appliances that can help you be more energy efficient include:
- Rice cookers
- Electric kettles
- Electric pressure cookers
- Space heaters
- Toasters
Composting and Its Benefits
In-home composting machines make it easy to break down food waste, which reduces garbage disposal use and provides nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Even without a dedicated appliance, starting a backyard compost pile can help minimize food waste while promoting a sustainable and healthy ecosystem in your yard.
Simple Insulation Improvement for Your Home
Air conditioning represents about 10% of global electricity use, contributing substantial greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. One of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to reduce energy waste and keep temperatures stable is through insulation improvement.
Here are a few ideas you can try to keep the cold air inside:
- Install weather stripping around and below the door. Doors are a primary escape route for cool air. Weather stripping creates a seal to prevent air from leaking, reducing the strain on your AC.
- Caulk any gaps in window sills. Small gaps around windows allow air to escape, making temperature control challenging. Caulking these gaps helps your cooling and heating systems work more efficiently.
- Run your fan rather than your AC. This is an important one! In multi-level homes particularly, fans help circulate cool air from the lower to upper floors, reducing the need to overuse the AC.
Store Your Appliances in a Storage Unit
Many households have a surplus of small appliances, from extra toasters to seasonal space heaters. Storing unused items in a storage unit can reduce household clutter and make your energy-efficient appliances more accessible.
When you’re ready to make more room in your home while maximizing your energy efficiency, find a Freedom Storage Management facility near you and start saving on space and your power bill today.