In June, Boston was named the most energy efficient city in America for the third time in a row. It’s no wonder that Governor Charlie Baker joined a multi-state alliance to fulfill what was set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement, despite President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the “deal”. Mayor Marty Walsh has also taken a stance in keeping the environment a top priority for Boston.
With the leaders of our state in favor of the Paris Agreement, Massachusetts residents can and should feel empowered to save energy at home, even if it’s on a smaller scale. From Boston to the Berkshires, all Massachusetts homeowners can do their part to save energy.
Save Energy at Home In Support of the Climate Alliance
Although your individual efforts may seem like small potatoes, your energy-saving ways can add up fast. And, by adopting a more energy-efficient lifestyle, your family and friends may soon catch on, too. Not to mention that you stand to save money on energy bills when you align conservation with your at home routine. See, those potatoes aren’t so small anymore, are they?! Here are some ideas on ways you can save energy at home:
Turn Off the Air Conditioning
Have you been leaving your air conditioner on while you’re away so that you can return to a cooler home? While the latter sounds pleasant, the former sounds terrible for the environment, (and your energy bills). Modern air-conditioners can easily start up and cool down a home, which eliminates the need to keep an empty house cool. A programmable thermostat can aid you in setting a schedule for your air conditioner’s usage, and is just one of several energy-efficiency tips you can try. You can expect your energy bills to rise every summer, but they won’t skyrocket when you efficiently use your air conditioner.
Stop Wasting Water
A long, cool shower on a sizzling summer day might be just the relief you’re looking for, but its impact on the environment can be damaging. If you can’t break the habit of taking long showers, consider installing a low-flow showerhead, which typically flows at 2.5 gallons per minute. Did you know that conventional showerheads flow twice as much as low-flow alternatives? Think about how much water we could save if every Massachusetts homeowner invested in a low-flow option. You can even receive one at no cost through Wattson Home Solutions’ home energy assessment program.
Start Recycling
Do you throw all of your trash in the same bin and let the garbage truck take it away? Recycling reduces the need to use natural resources, and there’s an easy way to start doing your part. Try dedicating one bin to paper and plastics. Fourteen percent of waste in landfills are paper and paperboard, while 18% is plastic. Products that decompose slowly may stay in landfills for centuries, which drastically increases the amount of pollution that we generate as a state. By separating your waste, you can start contributing to living in a healthier environment.
Check for Air Leaks
One of the peskiest forms of energy loss, this is one of the biggest culprits for overworked HVAC systems. Check the cracks of your windows and doors. If you feel a draft, then air is probably escaping from inside your home. The key to a well-cooled or well-heated home is to seal it up so that no air is wasted. Feel like taking a DIY approach to save energy at home? You can prevent air leaks yourself by caulking your windows and doors.
Get a Home Energy Assessment
Do you know which parts of your home are causing energy loss and racking up your bills? If your answer is “I’m not sure,” then it’s time for an at home energy assessment from Wattson Home Solutions. By getting your assessment, you won’t have to travel the path to energy-efficiency alone. Here’s a sample of what’s included:
- No-Cost Programmable Thermostat: Take one thing off your to-do list and save energy at the same time by programming your thermostat around your routine.
- Air Sealing and Insulation Evaluation: In the summer, you want to keep the cool air inside and the hot air outside. The key to this is having an airtight home. An expert will evaluate the insulation in your home and create a plan to prevent further energy loss.
- No-Cost Low-Flow Aerators: Remember, you can cut your water usage in half with low-flow aerators. And the friendly Wattson Home Solutions team will install them with a smile. That’s just how much we love saving energy.
But it doesn’t stop there. To learn more about how you can benefit from a home energy assessment, don’t hesitate to contact Wattson Home Solutions, a MassSave partner! Or, if you’re ready to find out how you can do your part, schedule your no-cost consultation today. As Massachusetts homeowners ourselves, we want everyone to feel empowered to contribute towards a more energy-efficient environment.
