7 Energy Efficient Home Improvements To Consider
Looking for the top energy efficient home improvements? Here’s a list to get started on the decision process.
Energy Efficient Home Improvements
When it comes to home improvements and renovations, many homeowners are looking to make improvements that improve their home efficiency. There are two main benefits to this.
- You’ll be able to make your energy bills lower, something that all homeowners would love to do.
- You’ll be able to reduce your impact on the environment.
If you’re ready to make some changes to your home, here are some improvements that you’ll want to consider.
1. Insulate Your Attic
This is one of the most important things you can do for your home. You’d be amazed at how much energy you lose through your roof. When heating your home, that heat rises and if the attic isn’t insulated, you’ll see that the heat simply leaves through the roof. That way, you’ll be spending more on energy just to keep the house warm.
If your attic isn’t insulated, you’ll see that it isn’t as costly as you’d think to have it done. Once you have insulation in place, you’ll see the savings as soon as you need to heat or cool your home again. As such, if your attic isn’t insulated this should be something you do as soon as possible.
2. Installing Solar Panels
In the past, installing solar panels would be a costly job and one that wouldn’t be worth doing for the average homeowner. Now, though, it’s something that you should think about. Solar panels are around 70% cheaper than they were when they were first introduced for residential homes, and they can offer a lot of return.
For example, did you know that a larger solar system can generate around 4kWp? To put that into context, that’s enough to power a home for a family of four. As such, you’ll be able to make real savings when you have solar panels installed.
3. Switch Out Your Lightbulbs
This is a very small and easy change you can make, but it makes all the difference. If you’re using older style incandescent bulbs, they’ll be using up more energy than you’d think to light your home. That’s why a lot of homeowners are making the switch to LED bulbs.
Modern LED bulbs give out the same amount of light as an old-style bulb while using much less energy. They’ll cost less in energy bills, as well as need to be replaced less often. It’s a win-win all around.
4. Use Smart Tech To Track Energy Usage
This is a great way to track your energy usage, and really see where your money is going. There are lots of different gadgets out there that you can use to maintain the energy usage in your home, and you can find some that will show you where you can reduce your usage.
Some energy companies will send out or even install smart devices for you, so you should give them a call and see if they can send one out for you. Some will even send meter readings to the company for you, so you won’t have to do it yourself. That’s something that will save you time and money on bills, so look into this for your home.
5. Replace The Windows
You may not realize it, but there can be draughts coming through your windows and the gaps between them and the wall. This is especially true if you have older windows. If you have the budget for it, replacing the windows with newer models can make the world of difference. New windows are typically energy efficient as they’re double glazed, helping to keep the home warmer or cooler as needed.
If you’re not able to do that, you can go around and check for any gaps in the frames and the walls around your windows. These can easily be sealed up with caulk. It’s not a permanent fix but will go a long way to stopping energy from leaking out.
6. Upgrade Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is vital to your home, as it’s what helps regulate the temperature all year round. You need it to be working at peak efficiency, in order to work with the least amount of energy loss. If you don’t feel you’re getting the most from it though, you can do some maintenance to keep it in top shape. For example, simply changing the air filters out will allow it to work better, and will ensure that no allergens make their way into the ducts.
At some point though, your HVAC system will need to be replaced. All systems have a shelf life, so you’ll want to talk to an HVAC repair service. They’ll be able to inspect the system and let you know if it needs replacement. Once it has been replaced, it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Once you have that new HVAC system, ensure that you’re having it inspected by a professional once a year. They’ll be able to spot issues before they crop up, and so replace parts to prevent bigger issues. If the HVAC system has to work harder due to mechanical failure, it’ll use more energy, so keep this in mind.
7. Change Out Your Home Appliances
Your home is full of appliances that you use every day, and they all have an effect on your energy bills. When it comes time to replace them, take a look at getting more energy efficient models. There are lots of appliances out there that are rated as energy efficient, and will use much fewer resources.
For example, it’s a good idea to get newer, more energy efficient appliances when replacing a bathroom or kitchen. A new washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher can make all the difference when it comes to your energy bills.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas for you when you’re renovating your home. There are lots of ways to make your home more energy efficient, and save money. Use these tips to get started, and see what you can do to improve your own impact on the planet.