Tired of sky-high energy bills? Want to do your part to keep the planet healthy?
If so, that’s great! Even better, we’re going to help you do it.
The following guide lists 7 easy, practical tips on how to make your home more energy-efficient. This includes solutions for fixing common energy wasters as well as some simple lifestyle changes.
Note that it may cost a little money upfront to implement some of these tips. But in the long run, they save you much more than you spend on them.
Read on to learn what you can do to maximize energy efficiency in your home.
Contents
1. Get an Energy Audit
The most important and effective way to increase home energy efficiency is to ask your electric company about it. They can take a look at your home and give you an energy audit for free. Then, they will tell you exactly how your home is wasting energy and what to do about it.
2. Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions
Still using incandescent bulbs because they’re “cheap?” Sorry to bear the bad news, but they’re not cheap at all. In truth, switching to ENERGY STAR certified bulbs means spending up to 90% less on lighting each month.
3. Use Sunlight More
Also, do you often turn on the lights during the day simply because the blinds are closed? Don’t. As often as the sun is out, let that glorious sunshine in and stop wasting electricity on the lights.
On the other hand, perhaps you just don’t want sidewalk pedestrians to see into your home every time they pass. If privacy is your concern, there are energy-efficient solutions to this as well. Namely, there are curtains and other window-dressing solutions that block prying eyes but still let in the light.
4. Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions
If you’ve been putting off installing solar panels on your roof, it’s time to stop procrastinating. That is, if you get it done before the end of 2021, you can still get the solar tax rebate. But if you wait until next year, you’ll have to pay for it all yourself.
Alternatively, a steel roof can also save energy by reflecting the heat of the sun. This way, you don’t have to spend so much on air conditioning.
5. Program Your Thermostat
You can’t just stop using your HVAC to save money. But you can use it more responsibly.
Program your thermostat so that it stops wasting energy on heating/cooling while no one is in the house. Also, make sure that only one person in the household is in charge of the settings so that no one else changes them.
Lastly, have your HVAC serviced regularly and keep it in good repair. That includes changing the air filter as often as necessary.
6. Upgrade Inefficient Appliances
Plus, you should replace your HVAC if it’s old and/or inefficient. Do this with all your major appliances. In their place, upgrade to new ones that bear the ENERGY STAR seal of approval.
7. Seal and Insulate
Your energy audit should reveal any areas of your home that aren’t properly sealed or insulated. Have these energy leaks fixed as soon as possible.
Also, your windows might be poorly insulated, period. Consider window replacement with energy-efficient windows.
Follow This Advice on How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Don’t forget to actually follow these tips on how to make your home more energy-efficient. To that point, keep this guide handy as a reminder. Read it again any time your energy bill starts increasing again.
Also, share this guide with your friends and family so that they, too, can reduce energy waste.
Need some more tips on improving your home? Then check out our Home and Real Estate blog for advice on hiring an electrician, designing your backyard, and other great articles.