There are a lot of things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, but not all of them will save you the same amount of money. Some energy efficiency enhancements will pay for themselves quickly while others will take longer to see the savings. But regardless of how quickly you see the financial benefits, making your home more energy efficient is always a good idea.
Here are some of the best home energy efficiency improvements you can make:
#1. Upgrade Your Windows!
One of the biggest sources of energy loss in your home is through your windows. If your windows are old and drafty, they’re letting heat out during the cold months and cool air out during the warmer ones. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Different types of windows will surely fit your airtight seal needs and preferences. The most popular ones are listed below:
- Vinyl – PVC, often known as polyvinyl chloride, is the material used to make vinyl windows. This artificial material is strong and resistant to the elements, making it a great option for windows. Energy-saving vinyl windows are another option. They are also simple to maintain and clean.
- Wood – Wood windows are a classic choice for many homeowners. Wood is an excellent insulator, so it helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wood windows are also beautiful and add natural charm to your home.
- Aluminum – Aluminum windows are made of aluminum and other alloys which makes it efficient at creating a durable and lengthy seal down the road. They are also durable and low-maintenance.
- FIberglass – FIberglass windows are made out of fiberglass, which is a type of glass that is reinforced with fibers. This makes the window extremely strong and durable. Fiberglass windows are also energy-efficient.
#2. Add More Insulation or update your system!
Another big source of energy loss in your home is through your walls and ceilings. If your home doesn’t have enough insulation, heat and cool air can escape, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Investing more in your insulation system is a concrete energy efficiency improvement that’s bound to save you a lot. For starters, here are the most efficient insulation materials in the market:
- Fiberglass – Fiberglass is a type of insulation that is made out of glass fibers. It’s an effective material for preventing heat transfer and is often used in walls and ceilings.
- Cellulose – Cellulose insulation is made out of recycled paper products. It’s environmentally friendly and does a great job of preventing heat transfer.
- Spray Foam – Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is sprayed onto walls and ceilings. It forms a tight seal that prevents heat and cool air from escaping.
If you want to know more about how beneficial insulation is or if you want a professional to install one for you, then go right down to the skilled contractors in iFoam! They are among the best allies you can get for such a project!
#3. Get your HVAC system fully operational and up-to-date
If your home’s HVAC system is old and inefficient, it’s likely using more energy than necessary to heat and cool your home. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient system can help you save a significant amount of money on your energy bills.
#4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting!
One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to switch to energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last for years. Replacing all the lightbulbs in your home with LEDs is a quick and easy way to reduce your energy usage.
#5. Weatherize Your Home
One of the best ways to incorporate some home energy efficiency improvements is to weatherize your living space. This means sealing up any gaps or cracks where heat or cool air can escape. Weatherizing your home can be a simple DIY project or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
#6. Purge High-Energy Appliances, and Use Energy-efficient Variations instead!
Appliances such as your clothes dryer, oven, and dishwasher use a lot of energy. If you have old, inefficient appliances, they’re likely to use even more energy. Replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models is a great way to reduce your energy usage and save money on your energy bills.
#7. Why not use a smart and programmable thermostat?
A smart thermostat is a type of thermostat that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or other device. They’re energy-efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills.
Programmable thermostats are another type of energy-efficient thermostat. They allow you to set a schedule for when your home’s heating and cooling system should be turned on and off. This can help you save money by only using energy when you need it.
#8. Improve your water system’s efficiency!
Your home’s water heater is another big energy user. If you have an old, inefficient water heater, it’s likely using more energy than necessary to heat your home’s water. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model is a good energy efficiency improvement and can help you save money on your energy bills. There are also a few things you can do to improve your water heater’s efficiency, such as:
- Insulating your water heater – This can help reduce heat loss and improve your water heater’s efficiency.
- Reducing the temperature of your water heater – This will help you save energy and money.
- Installing a timer on your water heater – This will help you only use energy when you need it.
#9. Educate your family and friends about saving energy at home!
One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to educate your family and friends about it. Show them how easy it is to save energy around the house and encourage them to do the same. You can also host an energy-saving party or contest to get everyone involved.
Bottomline
There are a number of easy and effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. By keeping these avenues in mind and applying them one way or the other, you are bound to save a substantial portion of your expenditure and be a greener agent for the environment. So what are you waiting for? Go green with these energy efficiency improvements now!
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