If you are looking to save money and be a bit nicer to Mother Earth, you’re in luck. Although people today use more energy than ever, advancements in technology have made it possible to decrease our reliance on unsustainable energy sources. Things like smart thermometers and even streaming media devices take a bite out of our energy consumption. If you’re ready to upgrade your home with the environment in mind, here are a few things that can help you do it.
Smart Thermometer
We include a smart thermometer first on the list because it provides an almost instant impact on your utility bills. According to the Smart Cave, there are a few on the market that can shave nearly a quarter off of your energy consumption. How? Because these devices allow you to control the temperature in your home when you’re not there. You can set an optimal temperature based on your family’s schedule instead of keeping the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer when you are away.
A Streaming Device
If you are like most Americans, you probably do not have time to watch your favorite shows as they air. Instead, you probably rely on your DVR to help you keep up. Unfortunately, even when sitting idle, your digital recorder runs through up to 35 watts of energy every hour. This can add up quickly, and you might wind up paying nearly $200 each year more for electricity just because of your cable boxes. This does not even include the costs of your television service.
Instead, cut the cord, and look for a streaming media device, which draws very little power when running and as little as two watts while in use. Something as simple as a streaming stick plugged into your TV can save you money, and you won’t have to wonder if you remembered to press record. However, before taking that leap, be sure to do a little streaming device comparison shopping to ensure you’re getting one that provides the quality and channels you want.
Solar Hot Water Heater
If you like hot showers but don’t like the energy it takes for your hot water heater to keep up with your needs, a solar hot water heater is an ideal solution. As Explain That Stuff clearly illustrates, these systems use the power of the sun to ensure you have enough steam to power through your morning while knocking up to 90 percent of your water heating costs.
Solar Electricity
Another area where the power of the sun can lessen your energy consumption is by powering your home. Depending on where you live, you might even be eligible for various solar panel incentives; contact your local power provider for more information.
Dual Flush Toilets
You probably give very little thought to your toilet until you need it. A dual flush toilet is an impressive upgrade that helps you choose how much water you need to flush. When what goes in the bowl is liquid only, you really don’t need to use the same amount of water as you do for solid materials. To decide if a dual flush toilet can help you save, first determine your flush volume. This is another area where you might be eligible for rebates and financial incentives, and your water company can help you determine what is available in your area.
Technology helps us do so many things, and it can also help us save money while ensuring the longevity of our planet. From your television to your toilet and everywhere in between, digital and engineering advancements are not just the way of the future, they might save the future. Remember, a small investment now can have a big impact on your sustainability goals.
Guest post by Mark from https://awarenesstoolkits.com/.