Smart Ways To Make Your LA Apartment More Energy Efficient
Los Angeles has a pleasant weather all year round as it gets more than 3,200 hours of sunshine per year. As a result, LA homeowners are making the most out of the sun’s rays by investing in solar panels. According to reports, LA ranks first in the US for installed solar photovoltaic capacity, and locals who install solar panels will get 26% federal tax credit of an installed system’s value.
Having solar panels can help reduce your carbon footprint, make your home more energy efficient, and it enables you to save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill. But apart from installing solar panels, there are other ways to green your home — here are some smart ways to make your LA apartment more energy efficient.
Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances
Having outdated appliances can have a negative impact on your utility bills since older models of refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and the like are not designed with energy efficiency in mind. This means that if you’re using an old air conditioner in your LA apartment, it consumes about 3,000 watts of electricity per hour, which costs about $0.88 per hour to use. If your AC runs eight hours per day, you can expect to pay around $211 per month just to cool your home.
To ensure a more efficient AC unit, consider replacing it with a unit that has a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and replace the filters every three months. As for your other appliances, you can switch out an old fridge for one that’s Energy Star-certified. Refrigerators eat up a lot of energy since they’re constantly running, so getting a new model would be a smart move if you’re looking to save money and lower your household’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Replace Your Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs deserve all the hype that they get since they can help to significantly reduce your energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, LEDS use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. Moreover, they last 25 times more than incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to keep on buying them every few months or so. Start by switching out bulbs in frequently used rooms, such as the living room and the kitchen, then make sure to do the same in other parts of your home.
Rethink the Way You Do Your Laundry
Using hot water to wash your clothes not only causes colors to run and fade, but it can also have a negative effect on your electricity bill since washing machines use majority of their energy to heat up water. Rethink the way you do your laundry and opt to wash your clothes in cold water instead. Also, make it a point to wash larger loads and clean your dryer’s lint trap every now and then to maximize your appliance’s energy efficiency.
Switching to Energy Star appliances and LED light bulbs, as well as changing the way you do certain chores can be beneficial for your wallet and the planet. Consider these tips to make your LA apartment more energy efficient today.
