Life on planet Earth looks pretty amazing from our perspective, but let us be reminded that it takes a global effort to keep our world looking the way it does. What better way to celebrate Earth Day 2024 than by learning some tips to save energy in your own home?

If making the world a better place to live and aiding in universal sustainability isn’t motivation enough, putting these practices into place will also save you hundreds of dollars a year in home energy costs. Sounds mutually beneficial, right? Let’s get into it.

1. Light Bulbs

If you haven’t made the switch already, replace old light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs. This solution saves energy by producing the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs but using less power. LED bulbs come in an array of colors, sizes and intensities.

2. Turn it Off

This might seem like an obvious one, but it goes beyond just switching off the lights when you leave the house. Turn off digital devices like TVs, game consoles, computers, and cable boxes when not in active use. Even chargers idly plugged into the wall waste some energy. Consider plugging frequently used items into a shared power strip that you can conveniently turn on and off.

3. Check the Temperature

You should feel comfortable in your home, but there are some easy ways to maintain an energy-efficient household. No matter what air conditioner or heater you buy, it’s reliant on the settings you select. Try to monitor and adjust the thermostat throughout the day to meet your needs. Generally, keeping the temperature between 65-68 degrees in winter and 74-78 degrees in summer can lower energy usage.

4. Appliances

Make the most of your household chores by doing them efficiently. For laundry and dishes, only run a wash cycle when you have a full load. Set your refrigerator and freezer to the appropriate temperatures and keep the doors shut. The dryer is typically the highest consuming appliance in the house – air dry clothes when you can, and be sure to clean the lint trap.

5. Change Your Air Filters

An old, dirty air filter can slow down air flow which causes your HVAC to work harder and faster. Regularly cleaning or replacing filters not only improves air quality, but saves you a lot on those energy bills.

Our Part

UnionMain proudly designs homes that are built for the long haul, with energy efficiency prioritized. We thoughtfully engineer every component from foundation to the final shingle, doing our best to foster an eco-friendly building process every step of the way.

All of our homes exceed the National Version 3.1 Energy STAR ratings. To better understand the ratings, consider that the U.S. Department of Energy states a typical resale home has a score of 130, and a standard new home has a score of 100. On average, our homes beat that by 40 points.

The more you learn about our homes’ energy savings, the more you will realize that it pays to live in a UnionMain Home – literally. What does that mean for you as a homeowner? Higher resale values, an average of 30% reduction in energy costs, and the added feel-good bonus of knowing your home is environmentally friendly.

Earth Day is an annual celebration of our planet’s beauty, but also a reminder to do our part, as individuals, in making the world a better place to live. https://www.earthday.org/