The time and money you invest in making your home more energy efficient can pay off handsomely, both in terms of lower utility bills and a higher resale value. But did you know there are additional benefits to these energy-saving improvements?
When you make your home more energy efficient, you’re also making it more comfortable and healthier. By reducing the amount of energy your home uses, you’re reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and doing your part to combat climate change.
Here are seven energy-efficient upgrades you can make to your home:
1. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to install energy-efficient windows. These windows are designed to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, which can save you money on your heating and cooling bills. The best ones in the market are double- or triple-glazed, and have low-e coatings that reflect heat.
2. Add Insulation
Adding insulation to your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption. By properly insulating your attic, walls, and floors, you can keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, which will save you money on your energy bills.
Did you know that most homes are under-insulated? The Department of Energy estimates that the average home has about R-13 of insulation in the walls and R-30 in the attic, when they should have R-49 in the walls and R-60 in the attic. If you’re yet to insulate your home, now is the time to do it with iFoam.
3. Upgrade Your HVAC System
It’s time to replace your home’s heating and cooling system with a more energy-efficient model if it’s older than 10 years. Older HVAC systems are much less efficient than newer ones, which can result in significant energy cost savings for you. Look for an ENERGY STAR certified model, which is the most energy-efficient option on the market.
4. Seal Air Leaks
One of the biggest sources of energy waste in homes is air leaks. These are gaps and cracks in your home’s envelope that allow heat to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer. By sealing these air leaks, you can make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy consumption.
5. Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are one of the biggest sources of energy waste in homes. These bulbs convert only about 10% of the energy they use into light, while the other 90% is wasted as heat. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient options, such as LED bulbs, can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
6. Install a Programmable Thermostat
One of the best methods to reduce your energy costs is to use a programmable thermostat. With the help of these gadgets, you can program various temperatures for various periods of the day, preventing unnecessary heating and cooling of your home. You could, for instance, set the thermostat to be higher when you’re awake and at home and lower when you’re at work or asleep.
7. Get a Home Energy Audit
If you want to find out exactly where your home is wasting energy, the best way to do it is to get a home energy audit. An energy auditor will come to your home and use special equipment to pinpoint areas where your home is losing energy. These audits can be costly, but they’re worth it if you want to make your home as energy-efficient as possible.
Making your home more energy efficient has numerous benefits, from lower utility bills to a smaller carbon footprint. If you’re looking for ways to save money and reduce your impact on the environment, these seven upgrades are a great place to start!
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