A Conscious Alternative

Sometimes an energy efficient solution requires sacrifice. This is often true of LEDs, which last for years and require only little sips of energy compared to traditional incandescents; in spite of their advantages, their cool color makes them unsuitable for overhead lighting. But Cree’s A19 series offers LED lighting with the warmth of incandescent bulbs. All of their lights are also fully dimmable, which helps save energy as well.

A Conscious Alternative

The more fine-tuned control you have over your house, the more energy you will save. Thankfully, the Lutron Homeworks QS allows you to manage the lighting in your entire home, inside and out, from your Apple or Android device. Scene-based zone control, occupancy sensors, selectable dimmers, and remote access are enough of a draw; but in addition, this system can be integrated with other manufacturers for audio visual and HVAC control. You can even automate your blinds.

A Conscious Alternative

If you can look at your utility bill without cringing, you’ll probably notice that the bulk of your energy expenses come from heating and cooling. You may have already noticed and become a stickler about the number on thermostat. But the downside of adjusting a regular thermostat when everyone leaves is that the house doesn’t have a chance to cool off or warm up before you get home for the day, making for half an hour or longer of discomfort.

A programmable thermostat is a step in the right direction, but a smart thermostat is the most equipped to wrangle in your energy use. The Nest Learning Thermostat is one of several sophisticated models, but is uniquely equipped with the power to learn your habits and adjust accordingly without you having to think about it. You can adjust the temperature from your phone while you’re busy at work, which is especially helpful if plans change last minute. The Nest automatically turns itself off when you leave to save energy. And one of the best features is that it helps you keep track of your energy use so you can see the difference.

A Conscious Alternative

If your water heater has seen better days and it’s time to replace it, consider a Tempra Tankless Water Heater. While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they use up to 20 percent less energy and last twice as long as tank water heaters. Another advantage? You don’t have to wait for the water to heat up. This particular model offers flow control that reduces the flow of water so you use less of it—without noticing a difference.

A Conscious Alternative

Windows play a surprising role in the energy efficiency of your home. Low-emissivity windows feature an exterior coating that allows the window to reflect heat rather than absorbing it. Andersen’s stylish 400 series is available in low-E glass that offers better performance in climates where both heating and cooling are energy concerns.

Even though it’s probably not practical for your budget to tear every inefficient feature out of your house and replace it, your wallet can benefit from replacing worn-out appliances and windows with high-performance energy-saving products.