We all Know that Small Changes can Make Big Differences!
Simple Ways to Improve your Home’s Energy Efficiency
There are many things you can do to improve your home’s energy usage. Starting from something as simple as installing a timer or motion sensor switch on that one light that always gets left on by accident (at our house it is the garage light), to upgrading your attic insulation. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you will also save on utility bills. And as an added bonus, there are tax credits available for certain energy upgrades.
Start by scheduling a free energy analysis with your local utility companies to help you assess your home’s energy efficiency. These professionals can evaluate exactly which areas in your home need attention and will be able to recommend low-cost solutions. The most common contributors to poor energy efficiency are old thermostats, outdated appliances, poor insulation, aluminum windows, and old window caulking.
Constantly changing the temperature in your home uses a lot of energy. Try keeping your thermostat at a comfortable range throughout the day. You can install a programmable or smart thermostat (which can save you 15% in cooling and 10-12% in heating) to stabilize fluctuating temperatures. A homeowner can install the new thermostat themselves if they like – it is simple to do. When you are not at home, make sure your thermostat is set at a higher temperature in warmer months and lower temperature in cooler months. Simple changes like these are cost-effective and improve your energy usage.
Old appliances are another contributor to poor efficiency. If you are in the market for new appliances, select appliances that have the ‘HE’ logo which are Energy Star certified. While Energy Star appliances may require a larger investment up front, they will use less energy and pay for themselves over time (good excuse to finally get that new dishwasher!).
Make sure your home is properly insulated to reduce your energy usage. There are several techniques including weather stripping and caulking to stop air leaks around windows, doors or other areas where you may feel a draft. Caulking and rubber weather stripping does dry out and crack over time. This simple repair can make a huge difference in your energy bill. If you have high winds that hit one side of your home start there! You can do this yourself or have an expert come help.
Outdated windows are one of the largest contributors to poor energy efficiency. Double pane and Low-E glass will make a big difference in energy savings. The least energy-efficient frames are aluminum. Vinyl is considered the best for energy efficiency. If budget is an issue, replace the windows that will make the biggest difference, such as windows in full sun or those in constant shade. You can also add a film tint which will help keep your house cooler during the summer months, and in the winter keep your blinds open.
A few other ideas include:
- Switch off gadgets when not in use (paper shredder, power bars).
- Add motion sensors to your existing lights or timers (good for fans too).
- Set your water heater to the warm setting.
- Tune-up your HVAC system (if you have allergies, upgrade your filters also).
- Change the way you do your laundry – use the medium temperature setting instead of high temperature and clean the lint trap frequently (not only is the lint a fire hazard but it also prolongs drying time) and try air drying clothes.
- Install a tankless water heater (this is a huge energy saver).
- Reduce the amount of hot water you use (simple idea don’t run a half full dishwasher).
- Add solar panels to reduce electricity use (depending how much room you have for panels a modest system can take your bill down 50% and with the tax credit the savings will pay for the equipment in approx. 6.5 years. The other way to look at the investment is the utility savings is about a 15% return on the initial equipment cost.
- Add solar tubes to help heat your pool (this can add approximately ten degrees to your water temperature).
- Add landscape around your home to help protect your home from intense sun and chilly winds, which can affect the temperature inside your home.
By upgrading your energy efficiency, you will also be helping your resale value if you decide to sell some day. Buyers today often ask to see the Seller’s utility bills!
Trudi
