How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
It takes a lot of energy to run a home, and that energy can cost you a lot of money and do serious damage to the environment. Because of this, improving energy efficiency is a top priority for a lot of homeowners. If you want to make your home more energy-efficient, here’s how you can do it.
Upgrade Appliances
Old appliances use a lot of energy, so try upgrading your old appliances to something newer to save on your energy bill. Newer washing machines use significantly less water and heat, and the same is true for dishwashers. You can also find high-efficiency dryers, water heaters, and refrigerators that you can use to make your home more energy-efficient.
Insulate
Insulation plays a big role in the energy efficiency of your home. The better your home is insulated, the less energy you have to use to heat and cool your home. Since heating and cooling are the most expensive parts of your energy bill, you can save money and keep your home more comfortable by investing in better insulation and storm windows.
Alternative Energy Sources
One of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to upgrade to an alternative source of energy. Solar power is a common choice for homeowners who live in a sunny area, and it can save you a ton of money despite the hefty upfront investment. Plus, with PACE financing Florida and other states, it’s easier to pay for energy-efficient upgrades without having to pay a fortune in interest.
Blinds & Curtains
You can do a lot to insulate your home with blinds and curtains. Windows are prone to heat loss, and that means heat can leave or enter your home. Blinds and curtains help block out some of the sunlight that can lead to heat loss, which helps keep your home cool and reduces your energy bill. On top of that, you can personalize a room to add some style with blinds and curtains.
Keep Doors Closed
If you have a large family, you probably know how frustrating it can be trying to keep doors closed. For energy efficiency, it’s important to keep an eye on all the exterior doors in your home to make sure they’re shut at all times. If it makes things easier, you can install a door closer so you don’t have to worry about relying on your children to shut the door when they come in or out.
Take Advantage of Outside Temperatures
Opening your window does nothing to cool your home when it’s 80 degrees outside, but that doesn’t mean you should keep your windows shut 24/7. Instead, try opening your windows at night to cool your home down before the sun comes up in the morning. This is especially helpful in bedrooms. During the winter, you’ll want to keep your windows shut all the time to prevent heat loss.
LED Light Bulbs
Lights are another big source of wasted energy in the average home, so you can save money and reduce your energy usage by switching to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs are significantly more efficient than other types of light bulbs, and it only costs a couple of dollars to make the switch. You can even find smart LED bulbs in different colors and varying color temperatures, so there’s sure to be a bulb that fits your needs.
You use a lot of energy to keep your home comfortable, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy usage and save money. By following some of these tips, you can make your home more energy-efficient and save yourself a lot of money on your electric bill.
