How to make your home more energy efficient

Introduction:

There are many things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, from installing solar panels to making small changes to your daily routine. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to save energy in your home and reduce your carbon footprint. We hope you find these tips helpful and that they help you save money on your energy bills this winter!

Buy more efficient appliances

It's no secret that appliances use a lot of energy. In fact, the average American household spends $2,000 a year on energy bills. That's a lot of money! One way to help reduce your energy bill is to buy more efficient appliances. We’re not suggesting you throw out your perfectly good appliances and replace them all - that would be wasteful and costly, but when it’s time to upgrade or replace them, look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances. This means that when you buy an appliance with Energy Star certification, you have assurances that it’s energy efficient, meaning it uses less energy to do the same job as other appliances. For example, ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use 25% less energy than traditional models. So not only will you be saving money on your energy bill, but you'll also be doing your part to help the environment!

Switch to LED lightbulbs

Making your home more energy efficient is easier than you think! In fact, one of the simplest changes you can make is to switch to LED lightbulbs. According to research by Direct Energy, switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs could save the average home around $75 per year. That’s because LEDs use about 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also last for a long time – so you won’t need to replace them very frequently.

Reduce the temperature of your washer

If you're not in the market to buy a new washing machine just yet, don't worry – there are still plenty of ways to make your machine more energy efficient. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) says that about 90% of the energy used by your washing machine is just to heat the water. So, by opting for lower temperature washes or even cold washes, you’ll reduce the amount of energy used by your washer. You might also want to decrease the number of times you wash per week, and make sure you only wash full loads.

Go easy on the heating and AC

Heating and air conditioning can account for more than half of the energy use in a home. So, it's the perfect place to start when trying to become more energy efficient. If you're not in the market to upgrade your entire HVAC system, there are still a few things you can do to reduce your energy consumption. For example, try adjusting your thermostat a few degrees in the winter or summer. You might also want to consider installing a programmable thermostat so you can save even more. And, if you're remodeling, make sure to install energy-efficient appliances and windows.

Seal air leaks and add insulation

In order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, you're heating or cooling air and then losing it right out the window. It's like you're throwing your hard-earned dollars into the trash. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to fix this is to check for gaps around your windows and doors—gaps that can easily be plugged up with caulk or weatherstripping. You can also improve the insulation in your attic, which will help keep the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer. Talk to a professional about which option is best for your home.

Upgrade your water heater

Your water heater accounts for a lot of your home’s energy usage, so it’s worth upgrading if it’s old and inefficient. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, look for an Energy Star certified model with a tank capacity that’s appropriate for your home and water usage. A big tank of hot water that’s not being used is a waste of energy, so make sure to get the right sized tank for your needs.

Replace your windows

Your windows are likely your home's weakest point when it comes to insulation. Single pane windows date back to the early 1900s and have barely changed in design since then. They are cheap and easy to install, but offer very little thermal insulation. This means that your home is constantly losing energy - and money - through them. If your windows are more than 15 years old, it's time to replace them. Not only will you see a difference in your energy bills, but you'll also enjoy a more comfortable home, free of the drafts that come with old windows. You can also buy curtains or drapes which will further insulate your home and reduce energy loss.

Conclusion:

Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to save money on your energy bills and do your part to help the environment. There are many simple changes you can make to your home that will reduce the amount of energy you use, and some of them can even be done for free. Follow these steps to make your home more energy efficient and start saving today.