Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Conservation
COLUMBUS, Ohio – With Earth Day happening this weekend, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) reminds Ohioans that energy efficiency benefits you, your household and the environment. A few simple steps can help you to save money, help the environment and take better control of the energy used in your home year round.
Save money
Heating and cooling account for a large portion of home energy bills. Undertaking home upgrades, switching to ENERGY STAR® appliances and adjusting your daily routine are all ways to lower your annual energy bills. Things as simple as switching to more energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs or adjusting the thermostat at night or while you are away can save hundreds of dollars every year. If finding ways to save money on your energy bills is something that you’re always looking to do, you could consider switching energy providers to Reliant Energy at discounted rates.
Help the environment
Energy efficiency and conservation saves resources and limits our impact on the environment. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the United States uses 56 percent less energy than it would if it did not have energy-efficient technologies and policies. This Earth Day, remember that not only does energy efficiency help your wallet, it can help the environment too.
Take control of energy usage
Whether it is staying warm in the winter or cool in the summer, energy efficiency and conservation measures can help to make that happen, particularly any changes you make in your home. A home with energy-efficient windows and well-insulated walls can help to keep the temperature in your home exactly where you like it. There are other benefits too, for example if you want to keep the noise out and double glaze your windows, upgrading your windows could be an excellent solution. Any old or damaged windows in your home can allow conditioned air to escape, which in turn can have an impact on your energy costs. Consequently, if your windows are overdue an upgrade, it might be in your best interest to contact a Southern California window replacement expert, or, alternatively, get in touch with a company closer to home. Furthermore, simply putting down more rugs helps to retain more heat in your home and hanging curtains can also help to keep it cool. Companies like Galaxy Builders, Inc. also install energy-efficient roofs, to ensure that your roof acts as a thermal barrier against heat. All of these small changes you can make to your home can make a huge difference!
Look into utility programs
Many of Ohio’s distribution utilities offer ways to help you with energy efficiency and conservation around your home. Check with your local distribution utilities for energy efficiency incentives and programs they may offer. Some of these offers may include weatherization, appliance rebates or home energy audits.
In these ways and more, energy efficiency is beneficial to Ohioans. For tips on how to make your home more energy efficient, visit the PUCO website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov.
