Energy Efficiency Day is the first Wednesday in October. While bigger changes like upgrading your HVAC system to a heat pump or insulating your attic can cut those kilowatt-hours (and resulting emissions) considerably, small improvements that are accessible to most people can add up to an amazing collective impact. Get started with Southface Institute’s handy-dandy list of the top five actions you can take in just one day.
1. Stop secret energy-sappers.
Appliances and electronics plugged into an outlet use energy even when they’re not turned on! To reduce your phantom plug load, inspect the appliances throughout your home and unplug any that you’re not currently using (toasters, coffee pots, etc.). Moving forward, add power strips to turn off several electronics at once.
2. Get personal with heating and cooling.
You could run a portable fan for 24 hours, and it would still use less energy than having the air conditioner on for 15 minutes. A heated blanket would similarly reduce your HVAC load when you’re cold. Invest in items that regulate the temperature of your body to cut back on cooling and heating your whole home.
3. Apply a little elbow grease.
Your major appliances can run more efficiently with some strategic cleaning. Clear out the lint and debris that builds up in your dryer vent. Clean the floor around your refrigerator, the coils, and all door gaskets. If your freezer or fridge has more than a quarter inch of frost, defrost it! Vacuum out your HVAC vents and change your air filter. Cleaning electric stovetop burners can even save energy.
4. Have a light bulb moment.
Are any of your lights still incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent? Go check. Even if they haven’t burned out yet, it’s a good idea to replace them now with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last at least 15 times longer than fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs must be properly recycled because they contain mercury.
5. Fill your feed with eco inspo.
Follow Southface Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter) for year-round opportunities to live more sustainably and contribute to efforts that positively impact the whole community.
