Practical Climate Solutions for Reducing Home Energy Use

Dorit Aviv, an assistant professor of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, shares that climate solutions for reducing energy use at home can be straightforward, and sometimes even cost nothing. Climate change affects our living conditions, and NPR is dedicating coverage to solutions for managing life on a hotter planet.

Buildings consume a significant amount of energy, contributing to over a quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions. While switching to appliances like efficient heat pumps can help, you can also find simpler ways to make homes more climate-friendly without new purchases. Here are five practical solutions to reduce your home’s energy consumption, enhance resilience to global warming, and save on bills.

Open a Window

Aviv suggests that, instead of relying on thermostats or air conditioning, you consider the climate you live in. For those in temperate areas, simply opening windows during spring or evenings can be effective. Air conditioning releases hydrofluorocarbons that harm the planet. By opening two windows, you can create a cross breeze, leading to energy savings of up to 45% depending on your local climate.

Don’t Forget Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are often overlooked in favor of air conditioning, according to Aviv. Fans don’t lower air temperature but increase comfort by circulating air, which might suffice in certain climates. Compared to air conditioning, using ceiling fans reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 76%, as per Australian research. If you have one, try using your ceiling fan, possibly alongside open windows.

Make Your Roof Reflective

The roof receives the most sunlight in a home and absorbs heat. Reflective roofs, achievable through coatings in lighter colors, can reflect solar energy and minimize heat absorption. This modification can significantly reduce cooling needs, thus saving on utility bills. Aviv recommends consulting with a roofer to explore suitable reflective paints.

Put Your Shades Outside

In hot regions, installing shades on the outside of houses is advisable, says Daniel Barber, professor at Eindhoven University of Technology. Interior shades trap heat, creating a pocket of warmth between the window and the shade. By keeping shades outside, heat is prevented from entering. This tradition is seen in regions like Southern Europe, using wooden shutters to maintain cooler building interiors.

Seal It Up

Heat escapes through the path of least resistance. During colder months, ensuring your home retains heat is vital, just as keeping external heat out in warmer months. Aviv advises checking for “air leaks” around windows and doors. Nancy ‘Nan’ Ma, assistant professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, suggests weather stripping, a cost-effective way to seal windows with tape or rubber to prevent leaks, available for less than $10.