Winter time is just around the corner and admittedly, it’s not my most favorite time of the year. I’m a big fan of summer because I love being outdoors and I don’t really like wearing layers of clothing. But what can we do? It’s a cycle of the seasons and we would need to endure winter if we want spring to come.
Image Source : Alaskan Dude
Thus, in preparation for the cold months, I came up with this post on how we can still live the green lifestyle despite the freezing weather. Our electricity bills are often at the highest peak during winter and that’s we need to keep the heater on most of the time.
However, even the small steps can add up and if you will do every possible, little way to make life comfortable all throughout the cold months, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save on your energy consumption. Not to mention the fact that you’re doing something helpful for the preservation of the environment. You may want to consider some of the little steps we do:
Wear warmer clothing : This might seem like a very obvious tip but it’s also one of the most easily overlooked energy-saving tips by a lot of people. If you’re feeling cold because of the weather, wear something warmer like a coat or a cashmere sweater instead of adjusting the thermostat right away. You might think it doesn’t add up but increasing the heater level even by just 1% will also increase your electricity consumption by 3% in 24 hours. Layering your clothing when you’re in the house is a little gesture that can go a long way.
Use a programmable thermostat :
We have replaced our thermostat with a programmable one so that the temperature can be adjusted accordingly and automatically while we’re asleep or when everyone’s away. We’ve been able to save as much as 30% from our monthly electricity bill just by using the right kind of device.
Insulate your windows : It’s very important to make sure that the windows are tightly sealed to keep the cold from getting in and to retain the heat inside. If you don’t have a budget for home-improvement at this time, you can purchase plastic window insulators instead. It’s a cheaper alternative and it’s easy to do. It’s a tried and tested way to prevent heat loss and thus, helps minimize energy usage. Add up an extra layer of insulation to prevent warm air from escaping and you can lower your thermostat by one more degree. How, you ask? I do it by hanging draped curtains on your windows.
Insulate your water heater : Purchase a water heater insulator or a water heater jacket from your hardware and it will make a big difference. The money you spend on this particular purchase is definitely worth the investment.
By insulating your water heater, the water will heat up more quickly and will stay warm longer, so you can turn down the thermostat. This practical step will enable you to considerably lower your monthly energy consumption.
Keep the air fresh with indoor plants : I love plants and I like having plants inside the house too. I take them outside every once in a while to get some sunlight but other than that, it’s practically not extra work at all to maintain them.
Image Source : galfred
What’s great about having plants indoors is that they help regulate the air cycle inside the house especially when your windows and doors are sealed tightly to keep out the cold. You will have a consistent supply of oxygen, reduce the carbon dioxide in the air, and your indoor space will be a lot more pleasing to the eyes.
I have a couple of flowering plants inside our home. Amaryllis is wonderful even for new gardeners because they’re so easy to grow. I also love their big and bright blooms that are so cheerful to look at. I also have Cyclamen flowers which are super easy to grow and take care of. The heart-shaped leaves are so pretty and you can choose from a variety of colorful blooms. If you’re not sure which indoor plant is available in your city, just ask a local gardener for some advice.
