Energy inefficiency is a serious issue that starts in our homes. Besides choosing energy-efficient electric appliances, there are a lot of different ways you can lower energy consumption and make your home energy efficient.
However, getting started can be overwhelming for some. To ease things a bit, here are some modern ways you can adapt to save energy, cut down on utility bills, and leave a positive impact on the environment.
Insulating the Walls
Modern-day wall insulation are made of cellulose or fiberglass, which lasts a lifetime. These materials are great at keeping the indoors cool during the summer and warm in the winters. This reduces the electricity consumed in heating or cooling your home’s interior.
The hot air collected indoors can also leak out from the cracks and crevices of the home’s attic. Therefore, repair and insulate your attic too, as ignoring attic repairs will only increase utility bills.
Take your time and research the options, their cost, and the required level of insulation. You can gather relevant information on insulation from authentic sources like the Department of Energy.
Insulating your walls is indeed one of the most effective ways to make your home energy-efficient.
Repair Windows and Doors
Besides insulating your home, look for leaks from vents, doors, and windows. You can either seal these cracks on your own or get professional help since air leaks influence the indoor temperatures drastically.
Inspect the windows and doors for air leaks and make sure they open and close seamlessly. Nowadays, you can find energy-efficient windows that aid in maintaining constant indoor temperature.
These windows have gas-filled glass layers, which prevent heat flow and reduce the home’s energy consumption.
Go Green
It’s one of the best ways to reduce energy consumption, save on electricity bills, and eliminate the need to use electricity produced by burning fossil fuels.
Installing solar panels might seem expensive, but going for this eco-friendly option saves a lot of money in the long run.
Since each home has its own energy consumption requirements, the team at Skyline Solar suggests evaluating your specific requirements before making a decision.
The extra electricity produced can be stored in batteries and used later when the sun is down. Powering your home with solar panels gives you the independence to live off-grid and even get tax incentives when you opt for this clean energy solution.
Upgrading Appliances
One crucial step in making your home energy efficient is upgrading your home appliances. Old refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and water heaters consume a lot of energy.
When upgrading, always look up whether the appliance meets the energy star criteria. Energy-star certified appliances consume way less energy than similar models.
Replacing all appliances at once might not be ideal for everyone, as it will cost a lot of money. A logical way to solve this problem is by evaluating the energy consumption of each appliance to determine whether an upgrade is required.
Install a Thermostat
Air conditioning units consume a lot of energy in keeping the indoors warm in winter and cool during the summer. Installing a smart thermostat is an energy-efficient option, as it tracks your daily routine and automatically manages the indoor temperature.
These thermostats are programmable and can also be set manually. Not only that, these smart devices monitor the activity of your air conditioning unit and indicate if there is an issue.
Water Heating
Water heating consumes a lot of electrical energy. Replacing your water heating system with a new and better one is crucial.
These heating systems are getting better by the day. Therefore, upgrading your old heating system for an energy-efficient one is a good step in making your home eco-friendly.
If replacing the water heater is not an option, consider lowering the temperature thermostat on the heater, using less water, and insulating the water heater from the outside.
When purchasing a water heater, look at whether the heater fulfills your requirements and also consider the amount of energy the appliance will be using.
Making small changes can have a huge impact. Besides following the above-mentioned tips, you can do a lot of things like replacing your conventional lights with LED light bulbs, using appliances responsibly, cutting down on water usage, and installing a smart meter to track your energy consumption.
By implementing these energy-efficient measures, you will be ensuring the environment’s safety, saving you money, and leaving a neutral, if not positive, impact on your surroundings. Take one step at a time and follow the guidelines we discussed for an energy-conscious lifestyle.