6 Easy Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Making your home more energy efficient should be on everyone’s priority. Not only do you save money on utility bills but it’s also better for the environment. It doesn’t take much either, just a few simple changes can yield drastic results. If you’re interested in making your home more energy efficient, here are six easy ways to do it.
- Upgrade Your Heating And Cooling Systems
Nowadays, there are many different types of heating and cooling systems available. Older homes often suffer from higher utility bills due to outdated energy systems. An upgrade also doesn’t have to mean complete replacement. Call your local HVAC contractor and have them do a full service of your heating and cooling system.
For best results, have them service the system once a year. A maintenance check is as simple as having the filters changed and ensuring the air flow is smooth. Regular maintenance also means fewer breakdowns and expensive repairs.
- Replace And/Or Repair Your Windows
Depending on the type of windows you have you could be losing huge amounts in utility bills every year. For best results, make sure your windows are double glazed. This ensures better heat retention which means less strain on your heating system during winter.
As an added bonus, consider having your windows tinted or keeping your blinds open to allow more access for light and heat. If you can’t afford replacements, at least have them caulked to reduce air leakage.
- Install Solar Panels
Although the initial cost of installation might be high, solar panels, once installed, can save you a bundle on energy bills. Even in mild climates, solar panels can allow you to cut down or even eliminate your water heating costs.
- Get Your Walls Insulated
As with most things on this list, this is a problem for older homes. Good insulation keeps more heat inside during winter and keeps warm air out during summer. The most cost-effective option is blown-in insulation, which also happens to work the best at heat retention. To learn about this option, call your local insulating company to see about the best options for your home.
- Upgrade Your Lighting System
The average household commits about 11 to 12 percent of its energy bill to lighting. This can be drastically reduced by replacing your current lighting system with more energy efficient options. Have all your light bulbs, replaced with fluorescent lights. Not only, is the light source stronger but also far more energy efficient. New advances in lighting controls also make it easier to install motion activated lights, so they’re only used when they’re needed.
- Switch To Heat Pumps
When used properly, heat pumps can be extremely energy efficient and save you heaps on your utility bills. The heat can be created instantly and the temperature controlled with only the push of a button. However, remember that for best results you need to choose the right heat pump. Some are far more productive than others and, regardless, they will not work during a power cut. Something to keep in mind, if you choose this path.