7 Ways to Go Green this Fall

Learn how to reduce your energy consumption this fall.

Last updated 09/20/2024

Mother and son raking leaves in front of their home
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Key Points

Colder fall weather and shorter days can lead to increased energy usage, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Switch to LED light bulbs and lower your thermostat to reduce energy consumption.
Fall is an excellent time to start implementing eco-friendly habits.

Fall sustainability tips

Many people’s favorite season is fall because of colorful leaves, cozy meals, and the onset of the holidays. But the autumn months can come with a few new challenges for your energy bill. Colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight often cause households to use more electricity. Here are some tips and tricks to save energy this fall and create energy-efficient habits.

1. Rake your leaves

As the leaves begin to fall, use an old-fashioned rake to clean up your yard. While a leaf blower may get the job done faster, it uses more energy and contributes to unnecessary consumption. Once you’re done, reuse the leaves by transforming them into mulch for your plants or compost them to enrich your soil.

2. Turn down the thermostat

The most efficient temperature to keep your home at is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. By lowering your thermostat, you can reduce the amount of energy used to warm your home. If 68 degrees is not warm enough, throw on an extra sweater or snuggle up with a blanket instead of increasing the temperature.

3. Switch to LED light bulbs

As the days grow shorter in the fall, households typically use more lighting. This increased energy consumption could raise your electricity bill. A great way to combat this energy increase is to switch to LED lighting. LED light bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. This switch is a cheap way to reduce your energy consumption and save on your electricity bill.

4. Schedule maintenance for your HVAC system

On average, heating your home accounts for 12% of your energy consumption. But when your HVAC system is dirty, it works less efficiently and requires more electricity. Fall is a great time to schedule routine maintenance to ensure your HVAC system is working properly and ready for the colder months to avoid extra consumption.

5. Insulate your home

Poor insulation in your home may waste energy and increase your electricity bills. To ensure maximum energy efficiency, insulate your home from the roof down to the foundation.

6. Donate old clothes

The changing seasons provide a perfect opportunity for you to sort through your wardrobe. Before you break out your sweater collection and pack away your summer belongings, comb through your clothes to see if there’s anything you don’t often wear. Donate unwanted clothes to a thrift store so these garments can have a new life elsewhere.

7. Practice green cleaning

With holiday parties just around the corner, you may already be thinking about cleaning your home for the occasion. Consider using green cleaning options as opposed to chemical-laden products that are harmful to the environment. While you can find plenty of eco-friendly cleaners in most retail stores, you can also easily make your own at home. With just a few ingredients, such as lemons, vinegar, and baking soda, you can make a variety of strong cleaning supplies to tackle the toughest messes in your home.