An energy efficient home does not necessarily require that a household only reduce energy consumption by forgoing the use of basic appliances and electronics within household boundaries. It is beyond our knowledge that the use of energy in the home does not end. From the moment you sleep to the moment you wake up, energy runs non-stop. Although it is quite difficult to figure out how to build an energy efficient home, there are still simple ways that can lead to a lower monthly bill. Here are some of them.

Start with the appliances. An energy-saving home starts with the basics: reducing the power and consumption of household electrical devices. Instead of using high wattage bulbs, 100 watt bulb for example, use lower wattage bulbs like a 20 watt bulb in rooms that don’t work like balconies and storage rooms. Reduce the temperature of your refrigerators, since it represents up to 30% of your energy consumption.

Give your home proper insulation. Insulating the ceilings and walls of your home is crucial when building an energy efficient home. It not only reduces up to 30% of your electricity bills, but also minimizes CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions are responsible for the greenhouse effect or what we call global warming. This means that while you’re conserving energy, you’re actually helping to prevent climate change, too.

Use energy efficient products. If you want to try a completely energy-saving home, you should at least replace some of your old appliances, such as boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps, with high-efficiency ones. As much as possible, choose those that have the “Energy-Efficient” or “Energy Star” label, as they guarantee energy savings and the environment.

Plant trees around your area. Although this sounds quite unusual, trees and plants are quite capable of minimizing heat by providing shade and a cool atmosphere during the summer seasons. This will help you block out the extreme heat that the sun produces. It is not only a factor to build an energy efficient house, but also a way to protect and save our environment. While most people are too naive about ways to reduce utility bills through an energy efficient home, our nature is getting more and more harmed. It is important that we are more aware of the things that can save or harm the environment.