Enter 2021. Anyone living in this year is fortunate enough since technology and innovation are dominating the world. It won’t be wrong to say that we are living in a “SMART” world. Having said that, we are still away from living a greener life.
But even if we make a small eco-friendly change, it can significantly impact the Earth and other communities. Moreover, lower energy bills are another added advantage. If you don’t know how to be energy efficient, the following tips will help you pave the way for an energy-efficient home.
Let’s begin with small changes first.
Lower the temperature on your thermostat
Whenever you are away from your home, ensure to drop the temperature by around three to five degrees. By doing so, you can quickly reduce your energy usage, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. In fact, as per a survey, if you lower the thermostat by around 15 degrees while you are at work, you can easily save anything between 5 to 10% a year.
Install Low-flow Showerheads
Did you know that conventional showerheads often use around 5 gallons per minute? That’s a lot of water. A simple switch to a low-flow showerhead has a flow rate of about 2.5 gallons per minute and sometimes even lower. Imagine how much Mother Earth will thank you for this small change.
Seal The Air Leaks Around Windows
Well! This is quite an easy task to do. All you have to do is spot the leaks in and around the windows in your home. And if your windows are old or drafty, adding weatherstripping will be beneficial in the long run. Moreover, you can also apply a shrink film to your windows. And if you have cracks in your drywall, you also add a silicone caulk to lower energy costs. In fact, this is the easiest and efficient way to sealing gaps and cracks.
Once you get started with minor changes, you can move onto more significant changes as a part of your “green living” anthem. But what are these? Let’s find out below!
Seal Air Leaks by Adding Insulation to Your Attic
We already talked about sealing windows. That’s a great idea. But what if doing that alone doesn’t provide you with the desired results? In that case, you must add insulation to your attic and eventually improve your heating and cooling costs. However, the amount of insulation entirely depends on the size of your home and your location.
Install Solar Panels
They are becoming quite popular as an alternative to generating heat and electricity for homes. It won’t be wrong to say that solar panels are beneficial in many ways. Not only will they help you save money on your energy bills, but they will also help you qualify for annual tax incentives.
Ideally, the providers will install it on your roof. This will help you cut your energy costs in the long run. However, you must consider reaching out to professionals to find the best solar system solution for your home.
Add a Storm Door
If you have an energy-efficient door, you add an extra layer of protection against various weather conditions. Since they have low-emissivity glass, you can quickly minimize energy loss by around 50%. And the fact they last for anything between 25 to 50 years, this is a cost-effective investment to make your home energy-efficient.
Opt for Energy Star Products
Whatever product you buy, like refrigerators, televisions, microwaves, air conditioners, or others, make sure all your products meet the energy-efficient specifications of EPA. These appliances usually use 10-50% less energy than conventional appliances. Also, they help reduce greenhouse gases. Overall, they are suitable for you and your Mother Nature.
Go for HVAC System Tune-Ups
If you opt for an annual tune for your HVAC system, you can ensure its efficiency. This will further ensure that you save money every month. A check-up improves the efficiency of your system since they tighten connections and adequately lubricate the parts while cleaning coils. Doing so will help you avoid the replacement of the furnace for a more extended period. And this will further help you save a cost of around $6000.
Wrapping Up
If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, you must hire a professional to evaluate the inefficiencies of your home. They will spot the areas that need improvements and pinpoint areas where you have saving opportunities.
All in all, using the tips mentioned above and regular home auditing will help you achieve the dream of making your home energy efficient.
