With more people staying home than ever before, it’s becoming increasingly important to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. Even minor changes can put big bucks back into your pocket by the end of the year, and in times like these, who doesn’t want to save a few extra dollars? Below are five ways to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
1. Replace or insulate your windows.
Windows are beautiful sources of natural light for your home. They’re also a massive energy tax, as they leak heat in the winter and let heat in during the summer. Check the windows in your home: are they old? Drafty? Thin? Ideally, you may consider buying new windows. Modern windows create better seals and are designed to retain your home’s internal temperature better.
Strapped for cash? Even older windows can be improved by sealing the edges around them (and anywhere else that’s drafty!) and hanging thick insulating curtains.
2. Mind your roof and attic.
As we all learned in grade school science class, heat rises. That makes your attic and roof especially important for keeping your home insulated. Try to pump as much insulation into your ceiling as possible. Additionally, replacing your old roof shingles with modern energy-efficient shingles, which reflect more sunlight, can greatly reduce air conditioning costs in the summer.
3. Take stock of your appliances.
Is your water heater thirty years old? Still, using an old gas heater? Take a look at the things powering your home and shop around for newer, more efficient replacements. Over time, they pay themselves off. You don’t need to go all the way and install solar panels if it’s outside your budget, even something as minor as installing more energy-efficient light bulbs can go a long way.
4. Install programmable heating and cooling.
This ties in closely with #3, but is so important it’s worth mentioning here all on its own. Remember that on average, 43% of your home utility bill goes straight to heating and cooling! Install a system that will automatically adjust to keep a consistent temperature, and that can turn off when you’re asleep or away.
5. Adjust your habits.
You knew this one would be on the list, didn’t you? It’s true that changing your behaviors can vastly increase efficiency. Keep your home a bit warmer in summer and cooler in winter, and you’ll easily save hundreds. Isn’t that worth occasionally having to wrap yourself in a blanket in your home when it’s cold out?
There are other ways to increase efficiency, too. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use, take shorter showers to give your water heater a break, turn off lights in rooms you’re not using, or maybe even occasionally hang dry your clothes instead of using a dryer.
There you have it! Five ways you can save on energy costs, put money back in your pocket, and give a hand to Mother Earth while you’re at it. Now go save some energy! Visit Phoenix Construction Group for help.
