We are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious in our decisions about how we live. Energy efficiency in your home is not only beneficial to your wallet, but it is also better for our planet. Energy-efficient upgrades will help lower your utility bills and make your home a more comfortable place to live. The following are some ideas as to how you can lower your energy usage and overall impact on the environment.
Insulation upgrades for an energy-efficient home year-round.
Adding more insulation to meet today's standards helps keep your home at a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing heating and cooling costs. Extra insulation added to crawl spaces, walls, and attics will prevent heat transfer. Your home will stay warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer months. Choose the product that meets your needs. Various insulation materials are available, such as fiberglass, cellulose, or recycled materials.
Renewable energy systems provide many benefits.
Although more expensive, consider adding solar panels or geothermal to help offset your energy consumption. This is a significant investment, so you will want to do research to ensure you choose the right home system.
Seal the ductwork to prevent energy loss.
It is required that the ductwork in newer homes be sealed to prevent energy from escaping into unconditioned spaces. If your home's ductwork is accessible in the attic, crawl space, or basement, it is well worth sealing all joints with aluminized duct sealing tape or products.
Install low-flow water fixtures.
Installing low-flow water fixtures in your showers, sinks, and toilets will help you save water. Many retrofit products are available to best meet your family's needs. Installing something as simple as a dual flush valve on your toilet will save you thousands of gallons of water a year.
Seal air leaks.
Take some time to inspect the seals around your doors and windows. You will often find areas at the door sweep or threshold where you can see daylight under the door. Replace any worn or damaged door seals. Windows should operate smoothly and maintain a tight seal. Replace any damaged seals or latching hardware.
Upgrade your windows.
If you live in an older home with single-pane windows, consider upgrading them to newer, more thermally efficient dual-pane windows. This is expensive, but your home will stay warmer and quieter.
Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat.
Smart or programmable thermostats will help you save energy by allowing you to automatically adjust your home's temperature based on your lifestyle. These types of thermostats have become more cost-effective, and they’ll save you money on energy costs.
Plant trees and bushes.
Trees and bushes provide shade from the sun, which can help keep your home naturally cool and comfortable. Although it may take years to realize the benefits of trees and bushes, they are worth the investment. Not only can they help keep your home cooler, but they can also enhance the curb appeal of your house.
Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs.
LED-type bulbs have dropped in price, making them very affordable and cost-effective. LED lighting consumes significantly less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs and has a much longer lifespan. Switching to LED lighting can save up to 75% on lighting energy consumption.
Maintain heating and cooling systems.
Most manufacturers recommend annual HVAC (furnace, air conditioner) and water heater tune-ups. Some cities offer plans through the utilities to make it easy for you. Keeping your HVAC and water heater running in tip-top shape will save you money and outweigh annual maintenance costs.
Upgrade older HVAC systems.
If your home has older, less efficient HVAC equipment, consider upgrading to higher-efficiency models. Newer appliances are worth the money. They will keep your home comfortable and reduce your energy costs.
Upgrade your appliances.
Replacing old and inefficient washers and dryers with newer Energy Star-certified models can save substantial energy. Newer appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers will also use less energy and perform similarly.
Summary
Incorporating new energy-efficient upgrades into your home can enhance your quality of life. Newer appliances impact our environment less and save you money in the long run. Start with small things like LED lighting and work your way up to more expensive projects over time. Consciously implementing the many benefits of energy efficiency will be beneficial to you and the environment, as well as helping contribute to a more sustainable future.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by yourself or a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or use our online “Schedule Now” feature to schedule an appointment.