Every day, more people learn about how their actions affect the planet. Your carbon footprint starts at home, which is why switching to eco-friendly appliances has become so important. It gives you the power to make positive and lasting changes in the world beyond recycling or taking the bus.
Check out how these tips will make a switch to eco-friendly appliances easier. When you take your time and think things through, the transition into an energy-efficient home will be super simple.
1. Unplug All Electronics
When you’re not watching TV or surfing the internet, those electronics likely remain plugged into outlets. They draw energy even during sleep mode, so unplug all of your electronics when you finish using them. It reduces your home’s energy consumption while you save money for updated models made with the environment in mind.
2. Compare Smart Thermostats
Now that going green is more than a fad, many companies make smart thermostats to profit off the movement. Compare the options that interest you to evaluate all of their pros and cons. Even though they’ll cost more than a traditional thermostat, they’ll utilize algorithms and sensors to save the most energy.
When it doesn’t turn on to heat or cool your home too often or when you’re not at home, your property will contribute less greenhouse gas produced by energy factories.
3. Clean Your Fridge Coils
Replacing your refrigerator might not cross your mind, but it’s a crucial step when switching to eco-friendly appliances. The coils that cool your fridge rely on large amounts of electricity when the system turns on after you open and close the door. While you search for your next fridge, you can clean the coils regularly so dust and debris don’t prevent them from working efficiently.
4. Reconsider Your Light Bulbs
Make your lighting fixtures more environmentally friendly by switching to LED bulbs. They’re made to last up to 12 years longer than traditional bulbs while using less energy to light your home. It’s a better investment that makes your home greener overnight.
5. Invest In Better Air Filters
Cheap air filters get clogged and thrown out frequently. The debris makes your HVAC unit work twice as hard to move air through your home and then you contribute to local landfill waste. Eco-friendly air filters last longer and can even be reusable, depending on which type your HVAC system needs.
6. Look For Certifications
Confused by all the appliances on the market? Make your search easier by looking for green product certification symbols from places such as:
- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Energy Star
Products with these certifications have passed rigorous tests and standards to ensure their green guarantees. You won’t accidentally buy something that was marketed one way but performs without the environment in mind.
7. Research Their Maintenance
Before buying a new appliance, research what kind of maintenance they require. They might not fit your lifestyle or long-term budget if the smart tech demands time and funds you don’t have right now. It could make more sense to make the switch on certain appliances later and find other ways to go green for now.
8. Avoid Any Overuse
Installing a washing machine that conserves water is a great step forward for your environmental impact, but overusing it defeats the purpose. See if you can minimize how often you use your new and old appliances so neither depends too heavily on natural resources.
9. Find Out Repair Methods
Smart technology often requires expensive repairs. Having enough money up front to pay for a new appliance doesn’t mean it’s the right time to buy it. Your eventual switch will make more sense if you know you can afford repairs when something breaks down.
After deciding which appliances you want to buy, find out what repairs they need most often by reading consumer reports and reviews.
10. Shop For Refurbished Appliances
Shopping for refurbished appliances is another way to go green on a tight budget. Shop with the name-brand company or reputable dealers so you can trust the seller. They’ll inspect each appliance thoroughly before marking down the price and putting it back on sale.
If you shop on a secondhand website, you might find an appliance that’s labeled as refurbished but hasn’t undergone an inspection. You could unknowingly buy a broken used model and waste your money.
Stick With A Budget
These 10 tips come in handy when switching to eco-friendly appliances. As long as you stick with your budget and take your time, you’ll find the right ways to make your home a greener place to live.
Author Bio
Emily is a freelance writer, covering conservation and sustainability. You can read her blog, Conservation Folks, for more of her work.
