Making your home more energy efficient is one of the best things you can do for the environment and your wallet. In fact, making even a few small changes can result in big savings on your energy bill. But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the eight best home energy efficiency improvements you can make. All of these changes will save electricity and money, but they are not all equal in the amount of their contribution. Try to find out which is best for your home by reading through the list and making a decision.
1. Change Your Electrical Outlets to Conserve Energy
The outlets in your home are responsible for 10% of the energy used in an average house each year. Make sure they are not using more power than needed with a device called an outlet tester. Simply plug the tester into an outlet, and it will tell you what appliances are using power at that moment. This information can help you decide which appliances to keep plugged in or how many chargers your family really needs for things like phones and laptops.
2. Upgrade Your Windows For Energy Efficiency
Your windows play a role in keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but they also have a big impact on how much energy you use. Installing energy-efficient windows will lower your monthly expenses and help keep the planet green. If your windows are old and drafty, it might be time to switch to a more energy-efficient option. Otherwise, you can add window insulation kits to seal out the cold or heat.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat For Savings
If you are like most people, your home’s thermostat is set to the same temperature all day long. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures at different times of the day so that your home stays cool while no one is there and warm when you get up in the morning or return from work.
4. Seal Out Moisture And Cold To Decrease Bills
Moisture and cold are among the leading causes of higher energy costs. Ensure that your home does not have any places where outside air leaks in. If you find any, apply weather stripping or caulk to seal the cracks. This is an easy do-it-yourself project that will help you save money on your utility bills.
5. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter For Better Temperature Control
One of the easiest ways to keep your home cool in the summer is with a programmable thermostat. Another way is by ensuring that your air filter isn’t full of dust and other debris, which makes it harder for cool air to flow through your vents, as well as trapping hot air inside. If you have a central heating system, clean or replace the filter every three months. This simple task will result in more efficient airflow throughout your house.
6. Have Solar Panels Installed to Maximize Savings
Solar panels are an excellent investment for anyone with an average energy bill who wants to do their part for the environment. When installed at your home, solar panels allow you to create electricity from sunlight. The energy they produce is free after the initial set-up, saving you money on your electric bill for years to come. Depending on how much energy your family uses in a month, this could be a good option for you
7. Get Exterior Siding
One of the biggest uses of energy in a home is heating and cooling. By installing siding on your exterior walls, you can improve your home’s insulation, allowing it to retain heat in the winter and keep cool during the summer. Windows are another source of heat loss—new windows will not only save you money on your energy bills but also increase the value of your home
8. Have a Chimney Checked for Drafts
If you have a fireplace in your home, getting it inspected for drafts, pay close attention to where heat is escaping from it—and seal any cracks to prevent cold air from coming inside and wasting energy. If you don’t have a fireplace, make sure to check your chimney for drafts anyway. If there is any cold air coming in, take the time to seal the cracks with caulk to save money.
There are many ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money on your monthly bills. We have listed 8 of the best methods for you to consider. Some, like installing a programmable thermostat or weatherstripping, are easy and can be done by anyone. Others, like getting solar panels installed, may require more of an investment but offer long-term savings. Which of these methods will work best for you?
