Energy efficiency means using less energy to perform the same task to reduce energy waste. Reducing your energy usage is essential for improving the planet and guaranteeing a better tomorrow.
Discover excellent methods for reducing your home’s energy usage to make a meaningful difference.
Here are 6 energy-efficient home improvements:
1. Improve Lighting
Improve your home’s lighting to reduce energy usage.
Traditional incandescent light bulbs are energy inefficient featuring expensive operating costs and short lifespans. Energy-efficient alternatives, specifically LEDs and CFLs, produce ample light while using less energy and lasting much longer. For example, LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. LEDs generally cost more upfront, but the long-lasting results and energy conservation can save you about $300 on yearly energy expenses.
Natural light is another option for significantly improving your home’s lighting. If you live in a cooler climate, add larger windows and skylights to decrease your reliance on electricity and access direct sunlight.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to monitor your home’s energy consumption.
Programmable thermostats allow you to control your heating and air conditioning systems, which account for 46% of your home’s energy usage. Create personalized settings for automatically raising or lowering the temperature to save energy while you’re sleeping, at work, or on vacation.
On average, homeowners reduce heating and cooling expenses by 10% to 30% when programmable thermostats are used properly. Additionally, smart thermostats feature similar functions to programmable thermostats regarding creating settings and controlling temperatures; however, smart thermostats allow you to manage your thermostat using your cellphone to further simplify the process.
3. Add Insulation
Add insulation to maintain your home’s temperature.
Guaranteeing your home contains sufficient insulation is essential for reducing your energy bills. Homes lacking insulation allow hot and cool air to escape your home, which unfortunately wastes your money. Incorrectly insulated attics are primarily responsible for releasing valuable air because heat rises. Assess your current insulation to discover necessary changes, including:
- Where your home lacks insulation
- What type of insulation you have
- The R-value and thickness of your current insulation
After evaluating your home, determine whether adding insulation is required for regulating your home’s temperature. Contact iFOAM Layton Utah for a free consultation and estimate for your insulation needs. Their experienced team can recommend the best type of insulation and provide a customized solution that suits your specific requirements.
4. Seal Leaks
Seal leaks to protect your home’s interior temperature.
Similarly to improper insulation, leaks allow cold and hot air to escape or enter your home, which wastes your money and makes it impossible to control the temperature. Usually, air leaks are found around doors and windows missing proper seals. Adding weather stripping or caulking to your windows and doors will seal leaks to eliminate drafts and needless energy.
Alternatively, purchase new windows and doors to ensure better results. For example, windows featuring multiple glass panes are more energy efficient because they prevent air from escaping.
5. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
Purchase energy-efficient appliances to instantly conserve energy.
Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy and avoid greenhouse emissions while saving you money. Appliances featuring an Energy Star label guarantee savings. Historically, Energy Star appliances would cost $30 to $200 more than traditional models; however, Energy Star appliances are now priced similarly to traditional models due to the high demand of Energy Star products by environmentally-conscious customers.
Each appliance offers a different amount of savings, generally saving customers over $100 every year. Types of energy-efficient appliances include washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters, and much more.
6. Change Energy Providers
Change energy providers to save money and the environment.
Energy deregulation allows you to choose the perfect supplier for your home’s energy needs. Compare rates, contracts, and products to locate an energy provider offering an affordable option. If you live in a deregulated energy market, shop around to find potential energy companies in Texas.
Additionally, search for renewable energy opportunities. Renewable energy refers to naturally replenished and inexhaustible resources converted into usable electricity, including sunlight, wind, and water. Renewable energy offers a greener and cleaner alternative to traditional forms of electricity by avoiding releasing harmful gases that contribute to global warming.
Energy suppliers within deregulated marketers usually advertise how much of their energy created comes from renewable energy efforts, so you can make a conscious decision. Otherwise, access renewable energy by installing a personal system, such as a solar power system.
Conserve energy by considering these 6 energy-efficient home improvements.