Earth Hour, held annually in late March, reminds us that small actions—like turning off the lights for one hour—can spark global momentum toward environmental change. In 2025, the event saw participation from over 118 countries, with nearly 3 million hours collectively dedicated to the planet. In the Philippines alone, people contributed more than 1.3 million hours—an inspiring demonstration of commitment to sustainability.

Earth Day, recognized globally every April 22, reinforces the same message: how we use energy—at home, at work, and everywhere in between—has lasting consequences. These annual observances encourage us to build better habits that go far beyond symbolic gestures.

With that in mind, here are three smart ways to save energy—not just for an hour or a day, but every day moving forward.

Why Earth Hour and Earth Day Inspire Long-Term Energy Savings

    Earth Hour started as a symbolic “lights out” moment in Sydney in 2007. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment. Earth Day, celebrated annually since 1970, reminds us of the bigger picture: sustainable habits matter year-round, not just for one day or one hour.

    Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways individuals can reduce their environmental footprint—and lower their utility bills at the same time.

    Embrace Smart Energy Monitoring

    Awareness is the first step toward smarter energy use. According to a study published by the University of California, real-time feedback about energy use can help households reduce electricity consumption by approximately 5.7%.

    Easy ways to get started:

    • Install a smart energy monitor to track electricity usage in real time.
    • Identify high-consumption appliances and explore energy-efficient alternatives.
    • Set specific energy-saving goals and review your progress monthly.

    When you can see how and where energy is being used, it becomes easier to make impactful changes.

    Transition to Energy-Efficient Lighting

    Lighting still accounts for about 15% of a typical home's electricity use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Fortunately, upgrading to LED bulbs is an easy and impactful switch.

    Simple lighting upgrades:

    • Replace older incandescent or CFL bulbs with ENERGY STAR®-rated LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy.
    • Install motion sensors, dimmers, or timers so lights are only on when needed.
    • Take advantage of natural daylight whenever possible to cut down on artificial lighting use.

    These small lighting changes can quickly add up to big savings—both for your wallet and for the planet.

    Opt for Electric Radiant Floor Heating

    Heating and cooling are responsible for nearly half of home energy use. One often-overlooked way to reduce energy waste is to install electric radiant floor heating—especially during renovations.

    Radiant heating systems warm people and objects directly, rather than heating the air first like traditional forced-air systems. This not only improves comfort but also enhances energy efficiency.

    Benefits of electric floor heating:

    • Provides even, consistent warmth without wasting energy on heating unused spaces.
    • Operates silently and doesn't blow dust or allergens into the air.
    • Works efficiently in high-traffic spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and mudrooms.
    • Can be zoned with programmable thermostats for even greater energy savings.

    Considering an upgrade? WarmlyYours offers free customized layouts through our SmartPlan Tool and an Operating Cost Calculator to help you see how affordable radiant heating can be.

    Every Day Is Earth Day: Small Changes, Big Impact

    Participating in Earth Hour or Earth Day is a great first step—but it’s the everyday decisions that make a lasting difference.

    By monitoring your energy usage, upgrading your lighting, and investing in energy-efficient heating solutions, you can make your home more comfortable, your energy bills more manageable, and your environmental footprint much lighter.

    Ready to make sustainable living part of your every day? Start small, think big, and let your actions ripple outward—because when it comes to protecting the planet, every action matters.

    How do you plan to save energy this Earth Hour? Let us know by tweeting @WarmlyYours or posting on our Facebook page.