Some HubSpotters have been able to generate their own green energy at home using solar or wind power. Something to aspire to if you can! “I installed 18 solar panels (east-west orientation).”

Check the insulation in your ceilings, walls and basement. Improving these can help you keep cool in summer and warmer in winter! “I added insulation to the wall on the 3rd floor as well as refurbishing an old door with improved weather/stripping and sealing to help temperature control.”

Cooling blinds help to block out sunlight, so that a room stays much cooler without having to turn on the AC!

Gone out and left your lights or devices on? Smart plugs and bulbs can be controlled remotely from an app or other devices, so you can be sure you’re not wasting energy and money. Along with reclaiming tricky to reach sockets you can also slay that ‘vampire energy’ by programming plugs to turn off overnight and prevent them draining energy when not in use – think TV on standby!

Switching to LED lightbubs can mean significant savings on both energy bills and carbon.

A smart thermostat gives you a new level of control over your home heating and cooling. With many manufacturers in the market, the options are extensive. From advanced programming to geolocation features that know when you’re nearly home and warm up or cool down the house. These systems can be pricey though, so do your research.

Smart plugs can help you save energy and money while you’re not using devices or appliances.

AC units can be a source of high energy use, particularly during warmer months. Check the energy efficiency of your AC units and use wisely. “I installed central AC and used the Mass Saves discount which greatly reduced our summer electrical bills when we needed to cool down the house.”

Unplugging devices at the end of the day can save a bunch of energy.

Mix up your commute! Take advantage of public transit, walking or cycling to reduce your impact. For more local advice? Check out your office wiki.

Car-sharing with colleagues or family into the car can make a real impact. For those with EVs, think about how you’re charging your car. If you can plug into a 100% renewable electricty supply, you’re leading the game. “My husband and I both have electric cars which are charged via the solar panels or by cheap overnight green electricity.”

Buying or replacing an appliance? Always check the energy ratings and try to get the most efficient option. “I replaced multiple appliances with higher efficiency versions.”

Did you know 90% of energy used by an incandescent bulb is lost as heat? Switching off lights of any kind when you’re not using them can save you big on your energy bills. Also, consider a switch to LED bulbs and make noticeable savings on your bill. Super versatile and the most efficient choice for home lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have largely replaced CFLs. They turn on instantly at full brightness, and are available to fit pretty much any light fitting in the home.

Keeping the lid on a pot saves you time and money. And why not cook a bit extra for next time? “I replaced our gas stove with induction range.”

Combining walking/wheeling with public transport or carshare can be an awesome way to be healthy and sustainable on your commute to work. For those of you lucky enough to be able to walk or wheel the whole way – we’re jealous!

Check the insulation around your doors and windows. Reducing drafts can reduce cold in the winter and heat in the summer!

Check the quality of your window glass and seals. When upgrading, opt for double or even triple paned/glazed where possible. “I replaced our 40 year old windows with double paned, air sealed windows. They are also coated with a clever thermal film that improves the efficiency of the windows.”

Efficient water flow from taps and your shower head can make a big difference. And many low-flow shower heads are just as good!

Heat pumps are a great way to heat and cool your home more efficiently, and can save you money in the long term, too. “Last year I replaced my dirty, oil-burning furnace with clean air source heat pumps and solar-assisted heat pump water heater. Combined with my solar panels and a green energy supplier, my home no longer relies on fossil fuels.”

If you are able to make changes to your energy supplier, it is well worth researching what is available to you. You may be able to switch to a green energy tariff and remove your carbon emissions and there are even some tariffs that provide discounts (and even pay you!) depending on when you use your energy.

Keeping your heating and cooling systems maintained is a great way to ensure they’re not wasting unnecessary energy! “I’ve replaced two propane, forced hot air furnaces and two traditional AC units with a ground source (geothermal) heat pump system. This has reduced our yearly heating bills from $5000 in propane to just under $1000 in electricity!”

Energy bills can be complicated reading and vary between countries and suppliers. Typically, they will include your personal details, meter readings/serial numbers, usage and cost. The key thing is to understand is what you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity/gas. You can then start to work out what your appliances cost to run and where you can make savings.

Smart meters vary from country to country but they are now ubiquitous across the EU, UK and US. They work for you and for the energy grid, by giving you access to live data to make cost saving decisions and for energy companies to balance supply to the grid. Check if you have one and how you can benefit from it.. “We’ve installed smart meters in our home.”

If you have the option to cycle for even part of your journey, this can make a real impact on how much your commute impacts the environment. “I love to bike to work as it gives me a media-free commute where I can get some sunshine and feel alive!”

Full loads and cold or warm water can save lots of energy. Most detergents work just as fine in cooler water!

Governments across the globe hope to accelerate net zero emissions by offering grants to businesses and citizens. Research what is available in your location to help with home energy upgrades. Below are some examples:
Massachusetts information
Ireland – Home energy grants
Germany – Federal funding
UK Energy grant information
Share any incentive schemes you find with fellow HubSpotters!