These eco-friendly tips go way beyond remembering to turn out the lights.
When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, every little bit helps. Changing your behaviors and adopting new habits like recycling can be a great first step toward making a difference. But if you want to do more there’s good news: there are lots of great ways to make an even bigger impact.
Here’s a countdown of upgrades that will bring your carbon footprint down:
#7: Doors and windows
Believe it or not, this is perhaps the most expensive option on this list. While it’s undeniable that new doors and windows can make a big difference, at Sealed we only recommend making this investment if your doors or windows are broken or in dire need of repair.
#6: Hybrid heat pump clothes dryer
Hybrid heat pump dryers recycle the air that typically goes out of your dryer vent. By reusing this heated air, these dryers require much less energy—and also treat your clothes better. These dryers have been growing in popularity over the past few years in the United States, leading to lower prices and more models from manufacturers.
#5: Solar and backup batteries
There’s no greater energy source than the sun, and at this point solar is a tried-and-tested way of powering homes. Having backup batteries lets you store the energy your house generates throughout the day, and also means you never have to worry about going offline during a blackout.
#4: Hybrid hot water heater
According to the Department of Energy, hybrid hot water heaters are 2-3 times more efficient than standard hot water heaters. Plus, they typically take up less space than standard hot water systems. So you get more hot water in a smaller, smarter package.
Sealed is proud to offer hybrid hot water heaters as an add-on to our Comfort Plan.
#3: Electric car
Having a car is still a necessity for many, and switching to electric makes a huge difference. If walking or biking won’t get you there, an electric vehicle can help spare the air.
#2: Swap oil for electric or geothermal
If you’re still using oil heat, switching to geothermal or electric heat from air source heat pumps is a big win. Not only does oil heat release 3 times more carbon pollution into the air than gas and electricity (1), it’s also inefficient. Oil heaters typically have an efficiency rating of 85% or less, and performance degrades overtime, which means that they can waste up to 30% of the fuel they burn.
#1: Insulate and air seal your home’s attic, walls, and foundation
Heating, cooling, and powering our nation’s homes requires a tremendous amount of energy. Adding insulation and air sealing makes your house up to 30% more efficient: it’ll stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer while using far less fuel.
With Sealed, you can have this work done in your home by certified home performance contractors, with little or no upfront cost. So if you want to put a dig dent in your carbon footprint but not your wallet, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help design a solution for your home.
1 – Brookhaven National Laboratory