With rising utility costs, it’s more important than ever to have an energy-efficient home. This article will look at six steps to reduce energy usage in your household. Some are simple and inexpensive, while others may require time and money to implement. However, no matter what solutions you choose, they all reduce your environmental footprint and save you money every month on energy bills.
1. Check Your Windows and Doors
You’re wasting energy while heating and cooling your house if your doors and windows are poorly sealed. Check for drafts around windows and doors. If you find an air leak, caulk the gaps, replace or install weatherstripping, and add a door sweep if needed. Applying window film will help you save even more money on your heating bills in the winter.
2. Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs for an Energy-Efficient Home
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb and they use significantly less energy. Incandescent lights are inefficient because approximately 90% of the energy is heat and only 10% is light. Even though LEDs are more expensive, you won’t have to change them nearly as often.
3. Replace Your Old Furnace with a High-Efficiency System
Newer, high-efficiency furnaces consume less energy, though older versions can be made more efficient. If your furnace was built before 1992 and has a standing pilot, you may be wasting up to 35% of the fuel it consumes. Replace it with a more efficient condensing furnace to save upwards of 25% on your power bill each year. It is also important to have your HVAC system serviced by a professional annually.
4. Make Sure Your Home is Well-Insulated
Insulation reduces heat flow in and out of a home, so less energy is required to heat and cool the interior. If your house lacks wall insulation and has continuous wall cavities, consider blown-in insulation. It can significantly improve your comfort and reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home. If the attic is not insulated, or poorly insulated, upgrade the insulation there.
5. Install Solar Panels for an Energy-Efficient Home
Solar panels are an excellent investment for saving energy. They are installed on your roof and use the sun to generate electricity for your home. Solar panels are a big investment, but one that will pay for itself over time. Plus, well-installed solar panels also help to boost your home’s value.
6. Install a Tankless Water Heater
On-demand water heaters heat water directly as it is needed rather than holding water in a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water enters the device via a pipe. The water is heated using a gas burner or an electric element. Tankless water heaters offer a constant supply of hot water as long as there is demand for it.
Blackbird Home Inspections provides inspections in Central Arkansas. Contact us to schedule our services.