You’ve probably noticed that energy prices have significantly increased in recent years. In fact, energy prices have increased 7.2% in the past year. This can really put financial strain on homeowners. One way to mitigate increases in energy costs is to make your home more energy-efficient. This means lowering the amount of energy your home uses on a daily basis. Let’s look at some of the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient
Start With a Home Energy Assessment
The best place to start is with a home energy assessment, sometimes called an energy audit. This is a comprehensive evaluation of your house to identify where you are wasting energy and where there are opportunities for improvement. These assessments are typically carried out by highly-trained, certified energy auditors. The auditor will walk through your house, going over every inch, ensuring that they conduct a thorough inspection. They also use special tools, such as infrared cameras, to determine where energy is being lost in the house. At the end of the assessment they will provide you with a report, detailing the energy inefficiencies in your home.
Think of this report as your road map to making your home more energy-efficient. It will show you exactly what steps you can take to save money on your energy bills. Let’s look at some of these actions you can take.
Improve Insulation Throughout the Home
Proper insulation helps a home maintain a stable temperature, which lessens the strain on heating and cooling systems, which in turn lowers the amount of energy they use. Unfortunately, many homes, especially older ones, have insufficient insulation or even lack it entirely in key locations. You should make sure your attic, walls, basements, and crawl spaces are all properly insulated. If they’re not, you should have new insulation installed as soon as possible. Signs that your insulation is not up to par include drafts, high utility bills, and uneven room temperatures.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are prime spots for heat or cooling to escape, raising your energy bill. Windows should be double or triple-pane glass, which provides much better insulation than single-pane. Newer windows also seal better, helping to keep heating and cooling inside. All exterior doors should have weatherstripping and caulking around the frame to prevent leakage.
Unfortunately, replacing all of the windows and doors on your house can be extremely expensive. However, the savings on energy bills you will experience can often mean that new windows and doors pay for themselves in the long run.
Make Smart Roofing Choices
An old, poorly maintained roof does not keep heating or cooling in. When you consider that your roof covers your entire home, that’s a lot of wasted energy. When replacing your roof, make smart choices. For example, a lighter colored roof will better reflect the sun, removing strain from your cooling system. It is also important that you hire a reputable and experienced residential roofing company. This will ensure that your roof is properly installed and is providing the necessary insulation to your home.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Almost all technologies become more efficient as they evolve and new designs are made. HVAC is no different. If you are using an older HVAC system, your energy bills are likely much higher than they need to be. A new HVAC system will be much more energy efficient, lowering your utility bills significantly. Newer systems also have better filtration systems, improving indoor air quality as an extra bonus.
Develop Energy-Efficient Habits
Home renovations aren’t the only way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Sometimes, developing certain small habits can make a big difference. These habits include:
● Not setting the heat to extremely high temperatures.
● Not setting the AC to extremely low temperatures.
● Unplugging unused electronics.
● Using ceiling fans efficiently.
● Washing clothes in cold water when possible.
If you make what changes you can to your home and develop these habits, you should notice a drop in your utility bills. A welcome sight for any homeowner.
