![Ways To Make an Energy-Efficient Home Ways To Make an Energy-Efficient Home](https://edexgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/energy-effiecint-house.jpg)
Even though everyone wants to save money, many people are pleased to pay their monthly energy bill without questioning whether it may be cheaper. Optimizing your home’s energy efficiency is a simple way to lower your energy bill. Utility bidder provides different methods to make the home more energy-efficient.
It’s a good idea to make energy-efficient changes throughout your house anytime. You’ll not only save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also make your home more pleasant throughout the year.
Following are the best ways to make a home energy efficient.
Table of Contents
Temperature Adjustment
Even little temperature fluctuations can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. You can save energy by setting the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the winter and 78 degrees or higher during the summer.
Natural light can also have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Open your blinds and drapes in the winter to let the sunlight warm your home, and close them in the summer to keep it out. By limiting the amount of light that enters your home, your air conditioner or furnace will not have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.
Finally, adjust the water heater’s temperature. For most households, a temperature of 120 degrees is sufficient. This reduces the accumulation of minerals in your hot water system tank and prevents inadvertent scorching.
Unplug Electronic Appliances
New technology continues to infiltrate American homes, yet most of us forget to disconnect or turn them off. This can have a big impact on the energy efficiency of your home.
To save energy around the house, unplug infrequently used appliances. Unplugging items such as chargers for phones, tablets, and digital cameras can help you save electricity. You can save money on electricity by turning off any electronics at once using a power strip with an on/off switch.
Upgrading The Windows
The correct windows can keep cool air in during the summer and heated air in during the winter. Replacing old, draughty windows is a more expensive project, but it will save you money in the long run.
Between the two panes of glass, the best windows are insulated with argon gas. Look for low-emissivity coating on the glass as well. You should expect to pay between $600 and $700 for each window, but you’ll save up to 50% on your energy expenditures.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
More light bulbs are appearing on store shelves, with prices ranging substantially. However, compared to undertakings like replacing major appliances or installing all-new windows, replacing old incandescent lights with more energy-efficient ones is a comparatively low-cost option. Furthermore, most energy-efficient light bulbs last longer than incandescent, so you’ll save money by not having to replace them as often.
Compact fluorescent bulbs, for example, use less than two-thirds of the energy required by normal bulbs while lasting ten times longer. Most CFLs cost between $3 and $5 each, with a dimmable variant costing up to $14. LED bulbs are also making their way into the home; however, they will set you back at approximately $15 per bulb. On the plus side, they last a long time and even come with Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities.
Use Tankless Water Heater
Your water heater is one of the most energy-intensive items in your house. Consider a tankless water heater, which is more energy-efficient and lasts longer than traditional storage water heaters. Choose a condensing tankless water heater for even better results, as it recycles exhaust gas to heat your water more quickly.
Update HVAC Systems
Replacing your old HVAC system with a new one will save you money on your energy costs all year long, from heating your home in the winter to cooling it in the summer. Make sure the HVAC system you purchase has a high rating. Your replacement unit should also be the proper size for your home, which a contractor’s heat-loss estimate may determine.
To be as energy-efficient as possible, many Electric Heating and Cooling Units also allow you to control separate zones in your home. Expect to pay at least $5,000 for a complete replacement of whichever product you choose.
Schedule annual maintenance after your new HVAC system is installed to ensure it operates smoothly over time.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
When replacing appliances in your house, look for models with a high rating. When purchasing a new appliance, consider the design as well. A front-loading washing machine, for example, not only dries clothing faster (cutting the amount of time spent drying), but it also consumes less water.
You can take particular steps with your current appliances to enhance their efficiency regardless of when you plan to upgrade them. To optimize air circulation, your refrigerator, for example, should have roughly an inch of room on both sides. At least once a year, turn off the refrigerator and clean the cooling coil of dust and dirt.
Improve Insulation
Improving your home’s insulation can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% on your heating costs. Your attic, including the floor and rafters, is the greatest starting area.
Batts, which are long rolls of insulation, are ideal for areas with normal joist spacing. Fiberglass batts range in price from $0.40 to $1 per square foot, not adding the insulation cost.
It’s easier to employ loose-fill insulation in non-standard places with unusual joist spacing or frequent impediments. A contractor will charge between $1.20 and $2 per square foot to blow it in.
Another option is to rent your blower for roughly $70 daily and pay no more than $0.60 per square foot on materials. Remember to leave the soffit vents open while installing any form of new insulation to safeguard the attic’s airflow.
Final Thoughts
Looking at the large picture and your day-to-day behaviors can help you save energy in your house (and keep money in your pocket). Analyze your home’s weak points to help you prioritize your energy-saving investments.
You don’t have to make all these changes in a year; instead, plan to incorporate smart energy solutions into your home improvements.