Are you tired of high energy bills? Do you feel like your home is always cold throughout the year? If so, then it might be time to make your home more energy efficient.
We’ve put together some helpful tips that will not only save money on your utility bills, but also reduce your carbon footprint and create a more comfortable living environment in general. Here are five simple ways to make your home more energy efficient.
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Upgrade the insulation in your home
One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to upgrade your insulation. Good-quality insulation that has been installed properly will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning. Check your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to make sure they’re properly insulated. If not, consider adding more insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency, or speak with a contractor for help.
Repair faulty appliances
Your home appliances make life at home more convenient and pleasant, but a faulty one will give the opposite results. One tell-tale sign of a damaged appliance is a sudden increase in energy bills, so be on the lookout for this. Aside from rising utility costs, damaged appliances can cause electrocution, fire outbreaks, severe injuries, and other hazardous situations. Therefore, inspect and repair all faults as soon as possible. Except you have the technical knowledge, leaving these tasks to professionals is always the best option. For instance, a boiler repair project is best handled by a credible HVAC contractor, who can accurately detect and fix any damage, restoring your equipment.
Locate and seal air leaks
Another easy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to seal air leaks. Look for gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets, then seal them with weather stripping or caulk. It might be a little difficult to find these air leaks unless there’s already a draft coming through. Thankfully, there are ways to locate air leaks in your home, such as using a candle or asking a contractor to perform tests.
Consider your patio doors
Patio doors are one of the most common areas where a draft can get in. Poorly-insulated patio doors can cause major heat loss, and they’ll also let in cold air during the winter months. Consider replacing your patio door with energy efficient sliding doors that can help you retain heat and keep the cold air out.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If you’ve sealed all the air leaks in your home but still find the temperature to be uncomfortable, then it might be caused by your HVAC system. If your HVAC system is old or inefficient, then it will consume more energy and perform worse. In this case, consider replacing it with something new. This can help reduce your energy bills and greatly improve your comfort, but it might take a bit more investment than the other ideas on this list.
Install energy-efficient lighting
Switching to energy-efficient lighting is another easy way to reduce your energy usage. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs, and they even last much longer which means you’ll spend less money replacing them. Replacing your lighting fixtures to support LED bulbs doesn’t take long, and it’s a smart renovation idea that will save you a lot of stress and money in the future.
In short, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. Whether it’s replacing your insulation, upgrading your HVAC system, or even swapping out old bulbs for LED ones, there are many small and effective things you can do right now to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
