There are many different ways homeowners can be more energy efficient and help reduce their homes carbon imprint. Some of the more obvious changes would be turning off lights and recycling your plastics and paper, but there are countless other areas where necessities can be cut and energy can be saved.

These days, most of us are aware that we need to cut down on our energy consumption for more energy efficient homes. In fact, you may have already made the switch to CFL bulbs or have your thermostat turned down a few extra degrees. If you’re ready to do more, here’s a list of relatively easy or painless changes you can make to further lower your home’s carbon footprint.

Monitor Your Energy Use

Do you know how much that old fridge in the basement costs you in energy each year? Purchasing an energy monitoring device, like the Kill-A-Watt, can really open your eyes to how much energy your appliances are sucking down each month. If you discover that your old fridge (which is practically empty) costs you $20 per month to run, you might be inspired to donate it to someone who really needs it. On top of that, you will lower your energy consumption and reduce and save on your utility bills in the process.

Plant Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants around, and it sucks up four times more CO2 than trees. If you need a windbreak in your yard, and you live in a favorable climate, opt for bamboo.

Reduce Your Dependence on Large Appliances

The average refrigerator in Europe is 9 cubic feet. Here in the US, it’s a whopping 18 to 26 cubic feet. And, 26% of households have two refrigerators. Often, that second refrigerator is more than 15 years old, which means it’s even more energy-inefficient.

For more information how to reduce your carbon footprint, contact USI online or find a branch near you. USI believes that excellence in every step of the process and ensures timely completion and quality of service, time after time.

Article Source: U.S. News