When you know how to make your home more energy efficient, you’re doing your part to help the Earth, but you can also save some money, too. Here are some energy efficient upgrades you can do that’ll make a big impact on your energy bill.
Are you tired of spending about $2,000 a year on energy?
Are you curious about ways to make your home more environment?
Making the effort to go green is good for the air, the world, future generations, and more. And on top of that, it saves money.
The less you use, the more you save. The more you save, the more you can spend on things you need or want. Like solar panels to save even more money!
You can gain hundreds of dollars a year by making small changes that don’t compromise comfort. Build an organic garden. Track how long your showers are. The options are as limitless as you are creative.
We hope you enjoy this informational guide on how to make your home more energy efficient. Saving money is only an added bonus!
Use a Compost
Why? Because it’s a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle right from the comforts of home.
Adding compost, or organic material, to soil makes quite the fertilizer. Rather than throwing away 20-30% of your scraps, egg shells, and leftovers, throw it into a compost. Then use your product to help an organic garden flourish.
You can now call your kitchen an eco-friendly one.
Move from Incandescent to LED Lighting
An easy $50 a year goes in your bank by updating your lights to LED. The light is softer, whiter, and more durable.
If you’re replacing your bulbs often, you’ll save money on replacement costs alone. LED lights last an average of 50,000 hours. That’s almost 50 times longer than the bulbs you’re using right now!
Unplug When Possible
A brief list of things you wouldn’t keep running when you’re not using them: the oven; your car; the shower.
So why not unplug your toaster oven when you’re not toasting up a snack?
The same rule should apply to household items as your car. Take notice of how many things have plugs around your home. If all your outlets are taken up, but nothing is being used, that’s a sign.
Your monthly utility bills add up! These home energy saving tips will make a difference.
Put Insulation in the Attic
An attic insulation installation is one of the smartest investments you can make to save energy in your home.
Insulation in your attic acts to keep the air inside your home where it should be: inside. Outside air stays outside.
For example: say it’s 90 degrees out. Insulation in your attic is the difference between sweating and being comfortable indoors. The A/C will stay inside to keep the home cool.
And the same goes for the cold winter months. Heat will stay indoors instead of floating out through small cracks in the roof.
Consider Solar Panels on the Roof
Willing to take on a project and invest some money? Don’t worry. You’ll save money in the long run.
These guys do a lot for the home:
- They produce energy at all times. Even if it’s cloudy
- They have at least a 25-year lifespan
- You earn money back on the installation
- They improve resale value
And they can save thousands of dollars a year. Want to know how much money you’d save using solar panels in your area? A quick Google search can give accurate estimates.
Use Energy Star-certified Appliances
The Energy Star mark of efficiency means your home is saving money without sacrificing performance.
How long ago was your house built? You may be using old school, energy-sucking appliances. Now, technology makes these appliances better at their jobs for less of the effort.
What appliances can you look at?
- Dishwashers
- Washer and Dryers
- Electronics
- Thermostats
- Fans
- Pool Pumps
And that’s not even close to all. See what you can afford to improve today.
Change Filters Often
The more clogged your filters, the harder your heating/cooling system will have to work. And the longer it will remain on and sucking energy.
The harder it works, the more energy it uses. The more energy it uses, the more you’ll be paying every month for unnecessary energy.
Changing your filters on a frequent basis costs a lot less than monthly bills.
Collect Rainwater
The first reason to do this is an obvious one. Rainwater will fall regardless of whether you’re paying a utility bill or not. Rainwater is pure, natural, and best of all, free.
Rainwater can be used to water your garden. Wash your car. Wash your dogs. If you have a creative or practical use for water, then rainwater is your answer.
In effect, your water bills will be smaller. Less water will flow away in waste. You’ll be an ingrained part of the reduce, reuse, recycle movement.
That’s Not All
Plant a garden.
Use cold water on your laundry.
Consider getting an energy audit.
Limit the amount of water you use.
Seal all the cracks and holes in your foundation, roof, and windows. Air can get in and out this way and cost energy and money. First Place Windows can ensure all your windows are sealed in a proper, energy-saving manner.
You get the idea!
Know How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
In 2018, knowledge is power. There are incentives for being eco-conscious that extend far beyond saving money. They go on to help save the world.
It starts with people like you. As you begin to make the necessary changes, your family and friends will see the benefits. Before you know it, you’ll be influencing others to do the same.
Plant the seeds in your home and in the world.
Start small and go from there. If your home is older, consider the upgrades that will be the most impactful. If you’re strapped for cash, begin eating at home from the garden you’ll create.
It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Knowing how to make your home more energy efficient saves you money. And that’s only the beginning.
Let us know if we can help you lower your carbon footprint!