Energy-efficient homes are popular today as research shows that many homeowners value sustainable and eco-friendly living. There are many perks for making your home energy efficient, including saving energy, paying less for utility, and contributing to making the planet better. It doesn’t matter whether you are building a new property or remodeling an old one; you can do a few things to make it more energy efficient. Below are four ways to explore.
- Utilize proper insulation
Without proper insulation, you will require your HVAC system to function over time to keep your home cool in the summer and warm during the winter. This is expensive since your HVAC system requires energy to regulate your home temperature.
However, you can efficiently regulate your home temperature by installing sufficient insulation in your walls, floors, and attic. You can also install triple or double-pane windows to allow more natural light into your home without compromising the walls’ insulation.
- Select the right building materials
According to reports, occupied buildings contribute around 40% to global greenhouse emissions. As a result, sustainability has become a crucial topic when discussing future construction. It is not surprising that many home builders choose more sustainable building materials.
For example, natural stone or reclaimed wood are ideal for constructing eco-friendly properties. You can also include materials like bamboo, concrete, recycled steel, and non-fiberglass spray foam insulation to make your home more energy efficient.
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
Standard appliances may be the major source of high energy costs. Therefore, replacing them with more energy-efficient options is crucial. Many builders use energy star appliances, which are more energy efficient, in designing and constructing properties.
Also, switch off your electrical gadgets such as TVs, fans, lights, and other fixtures like heaters when not in use. It has been revealed that appliances can still draw power when turned off but plugged in. So it is better to keep the lights on only when you are in the room and unplug devices from the sockets. Apart from these, some household appliances, like the HVAC, may require more energy to function when improperly maintained. This requires expert attention, and you can click here to learn how to restore your HVAC and make it more efficient.
- Harness solar energy
The most experienced builders take advantage of the natural heat from the sun. For example, they strategically position most windows to face south to sufficiently heat the home during winter. Covering the windows in the summer months can also keep your home cool.
Some builders may plan for solar installation when building the property. This way, it is easy for the homeowner to quickly install solar panels to power the house. Switching to solar energy may require an expensive investment initially, but it has a significantly higher ROI in the long run. Some energy providers may be open to purchasing the excess energy you produce.
Even the smallest changes can make a significant difference when it comes to saving money and the environment. The few tips above should help get you started if you are unsure where to begin. We’re currently getting a slew of quotes from solar companies to hopefully get that installed this year!
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