The modern homeowner has a wide range of options when it comes to energy efficiency. From simple DIY projects to more complex and expensive upgrades, there are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient. In this article, we will explore the benefits of an efficient home, the energy-efficiency home improvements you can make, and the best ways to save on home energy bills.
Contents
What is an Efficient Home?
An efficient home is one that uses energy in a manner that reduces the amount of energy wasted and keeps energy costs low. This is achieved through the use of energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and other energy-saving features. An efficient home also helps reduce the impact on the environment, as it reduces the amount of energy used and the emissions produced.
The first step in becoming more efficient is to identify areas of your home where energy can be saved. This can include replacing old appliances with new energy-efficient models, investing in insulation, and making other home improvements that are designed to be energy-efficient.
Benefits of an Efficient Home
Reducing energy consumption is a great way to help the environment and save money on your monthly energy bills. Simple changes such as unplugging electronics when not in use or swapping out lightbulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs can make a big difference. If you plan to sell your home in the future, reducing your energy consumption can also increase the value of your home.
Decreasing your energy consumption can also help lower your carbon footprint, which can help reduce the impact of climate change. These improvements can also make your home can more comfortable and inviting, and even effect and can make living in your home easier and more enjoyable.
Finally, an energy-efficient home can help improve the environment. By reducing energy consumption, you can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced, less air pollution, and help protect the environment.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvements
There are a number of home improvements that can be made to make your home more efficient. Here are some of the most popular options below.
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models
Appliances generally account for 15 to 20 percent of household energy consumption. Refrigerators are usually the biggest power consumer in most homes. Even if you can’t replace all your old appliances, switching out a washer, dryer, or even a microwave can provide a big impact when it comes to cutting costs.
Investing In Insulation
Insulating your home can help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. Insulation is generally added to attics, basements, and exterior walls to hold heat during the winter and keep the house cool during the summer months.
Replacing Old Windows And Doors
Older windows and doors can be inefficient and can cause energy loss. Replacing them with storm or vinyl windows can stop air infiltration from seeping in to repair your home air flow. Fiberglass and steel doors are some of the most efficient options to avoid heat loss from poorly insulated doors.
Installing Energy-Efficient Lighting
LED or light-emitting diode bulbs use six times less electricity than ordinary translucent bulbs which are more commonly used in homes. While they come with a higher cost, the money you will save in the long run can be significant. LED bulbs can help you decrease energy consumption by as much as 75%.
Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels allow homeowners to produce their own energy without being reliant on a utility service. While this is a long-term investment because of the upfront cost, they can increase your home value by over 4%. If you have roof space and great exposure to sunlight, taking advantage of solar power will provide excellent energy cost savings for the future.
How to Reduce Your Home’s Energy Use
In addition to making home improvements, there are also a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your home’s energy use. Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Make sure all of your appliances are running efficiently
- Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in your home.
- Use energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
- Use curtains and blinds to control the amount of sunlight in your home.
- Set your water heater to a lower temperature.
Home Energy Audits
A home energy audit is a great way to identify areas of your home where energy can be saved. During a home energy audit, an expert will inspect your home and identify areas where energy can be saved. The expert will provide you with recommendations on how to make your home more efficient and will help you identify potential upgrades that are worth the investment.
In addition to the upgrades, there are also a number of government programs and rebates available to help homeowners upgrade their home’s energy efficiency. These programs and rebates can help reduce the cost of energy-efficiency upgrades, can help make them more affordable, and can help lower your overall construction costs.
For example, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score program provides homeowners with an assessment of their home’s energy efficiency and provides them with recommendations on how to make their home more efficient. The program also provides homeowners with access to rebates and incentives to help them upgrade their home’s energy efficiency.
Places like California, a state that leads in fighting the climate crisis, have just reduced the incentive amount for rooftop solar panels. These things tend to change from time to time, that why it’s important to have your home audited and seek advice from your contractor on your area’s best incentives and ways to create efficient home improvements.
Conclusion
Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to reduce your consumption, save money on your energy bills, increase your home value, and become more environmentally friendly. There are a number of energy efficiency upgrades that are worth the investment and that can help reduce the amount of energy used in your home. Additionally, there are a number of government programs and rebates available to help and benefit homeowners with their home improvements.
