With Earth Day around the corner, April is the perfect time to reassess your sustainability habits and make your home more eco-friendly. In Vermont, where we experience long winters and fluctuating seasons, improving energy efficiency is not just good for the environment—it’s essential for keeping heating costs down and maximizing home comfort year-round. Not only will these changes help you live a cleaner lifestyle, but they can also put money back in your pocket by working to reduce energy costs and increasing your home’s overall efficiency.
Here are six simple ways to get started:
Switch Out Light Bulbs
One of the simplest and most effective changes you can make is switching your incandescent light bulbs for energy-saving LEDs or CFLs. These bulbs use less energy, last longer, and can help reduce your electricity bill.
Seal Drafts and Insulate
A well-insulated home keeps the warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer—critical for Vermont’s unpredictable seasons. Sealing drafts around windows and doors, adding insulation in your attic, and installing weatherstripping can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 20%. Efficiency Vermont offers virtual home energy audits and weatherization programs that can help homeowners make these upgrades affordably.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat can make a world of difference in reducing your energy consumption, especially in Vermont, where heating bills can skyrocket in the winter. With a smart thermostat, you can set heating and cooling schedules based on your lifestyle, preventing unnecessary energy use when you're not home.
Reduce Water Waste
If you pay for town water, fixing leaks and installing low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can significantly lower your water bill. For those with well water, conserving water reduces strain on your pump system, lowering energy costs and extending the life of your equipment. Additionally, using a rain barrel for outdoor irrigation is another easy way to save and is especially helpful during Vermont’s summer gardening season.
Invest in Green Yard Care
Consider upgrading your landscaping tools, such as your mower, leaf blower, or chainsaw, with an electric model. Green Mountain Power, Vermont’s leading utility provider, often offers rebates and discounts for making this an easy and affordable switch. Using electric tools reduces emissions, lowers noise pollution, and helps create a more sustainable outdoor space.
Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Many household appliances and electronics continue to draw power even when they're turned off, a phenomenon known as "phantom" or "vampire" energy usage. Unplugging electronics when they’re not in use—or using a power strip to disconnect multiple devices easily—can help you save energy and lower your electric bill. This is especially useful in Vermont homes with older electrical systems that can benefit from a reduced power load.
Thinking about making energy-efficient upgrades or curious about how they might impact your home’s value? Let’s talk! Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency, explore sustainability incentives, or just want more green living tips, we’re here to help. By making small, sustainable changes, you’ll be doing your part to protect Vermont’s natural beauty while also saving money—both now and in the future!
