The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) wishes you a Happy Earth Day. For over half a century, this has been a day to reflect on our stewardship of the world’s resources, including our energy consumption.
You may remember our posts from 2023 and 2024, which provided tips for being environmentally friendly with our energy use. Keeping the tradition, we are back with four more tips for how to use energy wisely.
1. Don’t duck out on ducts. You know those ducts that bring air to and from your furnace, A/C or heat pump? Small leaks and a lack of insulation can waste a lot of energy and heat. According to the EPA, sealing and insulating ducts can increase HVAC efficiency by as much as 20% (Pro Tip: use duct sealant or foil tape to seal – oddly, this is one job that duct tape CAN’T do!).
2. Charge it! If you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV), make sure you’re charging it to maximize your battery life. AAA recommends recharging your vehicle before it gets below 20% charge remaining. The association also warns drivers that long highway drives and extreme temperatures will use up your driving range quicker than local travel. Make a habit of recharging the vehicle before it gets below 20% state of charge.
3. Pump it up. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that “heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates.” Basically, acting like a refrigerator for your house, heat pumps move heat rather than generate it (like pumping water from one elevation to another) – heat from inside your home is sent outside during the summer, and heat from the outside is moved indoors during the winter.
4. Choose your energy wisely. In many restructured states, you have the opportunity to select an energy supplier. For example, are you thinking about renewable energy but trying to figure out where to start? You can explore the options available to customers in your state by visiting RESA’s Energy Choice 101 webpage. (Pro Tip: Energy Choice isn’t just for electricity. Your state may also allow you to choose your natural gas supplier – take a look.)
Whatever you choose, remember that making good energy decisions isn’t just for one day – these tips can help you manage your energy usage year-round, save money and do your part to keep the Earth green for future generations.
