How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
More and more you hear about making your home more energy efficient and the many benefits that follow along with the change. That is because being more energy efficient not only is better for the environment, but it can also save you money down the road.
Although some of the switches to be an energy efficient home can get pricey, there are multiple changes you can do that can fit any budget. Many of them are quite small and simple but have enormous benefits later on.
Let’s take a look at different ways you can make your property more energy efficient.
Reduce Power Usage
A good chunk of the environmental pollution comes from those who produce power for the country to use. Unfortunately, until we have cleaner energy sources to rely on, we need that power. However, if you can reduce the amount of power you use at your home, that can have an impact.
Start by turning off the lights in rooms you’re not in. Change out the lightbulbs in your home to energy efficient LED bulbs. Utilize natural light as much as possible through windows and skylights.
Insulate Your Home
A house that is not insulated will only cause you problems. That is because nothing is keeping the cold air outside during winter and inside during summer. If you’re continually losing air from inside your home, you’ll have to keep running your furnace or air conditioner.
Check that there is weatherstripping around all the doors in your house. Make sure all windows, skylights included, are properly sealed. Any holes you can find, especially in the attic, plug or seal them.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
We have more options than ever before when it comes to energy efficient appliances. These differ from standard ones since they require less power to operate. Although switching to some energy efficient appliances is a large investment up front, they do pay off the longer you have them. You’ll find that you reduce the amount of power you need, the run better and can even last longer.
Reduce Your Water Consumption
Your water consumption also affects how energy efficient your home is. The more you can conserve water, the less your property needs which will save you money. So, be conscientious about the length of your showers. Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. Minimize the number of small loads of laundry or dishes.
Unplug Where You Can
Electronics not in use that stays on and plugged in can use up a ton of power. Even though the screen is black and the device is in sleep mode, likely things are happening behind the scenes that we don’t see. That means the device is using power when you’re not using it. Unplug electronics and chargers that are not in use.
Install Solar Panels
Although these are another investment, installing solar panels on your property have many benefits. To start, you can produce your own power rather than relying on buying it. In return, you’ll save yourself a lot of money the longer you use a solar panel.
