Did you know that 20% of greenhouse emissions, which are energy-related comes from residential homes? Living in an energy-efficient home is an important step towards reducing that number.
Home energy conservation is important for a variety of reasons. From the cost savings, you’ll see to reducing your carbon footprint on the planet.
Making your home more energy efficient may seem like a challenging task. But it doesn’t have to be.
There are many ways you can save energy. Read on to learn more.
Paint Walls With Light Colors
Light hues reflect light. This means that it takes less energy to light up a room with lighter colors than it does with darker colors.
Additionally, lighter paints can help make a room appear larger. This will result in a cut down on your energy use in terms of air conditioning. As a bonus, light wall colors tend to be more pleasing to the eye than dark walls.
When choosing paints, look for products with low Volatile Organic Compounds. They are eco-friendly and more energy efficient.
By simply considering the color of your home, you can make a great reduction in your energy usage. If you are interested in making your house energy-efficient, find more here.
Insulate Air Leaks
Sealing exposed edges of windows, doors, and other open spaces can help keep the temperature inside your home steady. Thus, reducing your energy bill.
Caulking exposed edges with caulk and foam insulation can block air from entering and keep heat in. Additionally, weather stripping can be applied to door and window frames to reduce airflow.
Insulating areas around pipes and outlets, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, can further reduce energy waste. While it is possible to do some of these tasks yourself, it is recommended that you hire a professional to ensure the job is done properly.
If a door or window is still feeling drafty, using insulation films can help improve the sealing of the space. Proper insulation around plumbing and wiring can also prevent air leaks. Moreover, the use of foam gaskets behind electrical wall switches can reduce cross drafts.
Maintain Heating and Cooling Systems
Start by cleaning your air conditioning filter regularly. Also, check and clean the vents and registers where the air gets released. Make sure to vacuum the air ducts to ensure clean air circulation.
If you have a furnace, replace the filter when needed. Doing so can improve your system’s efficiency as it will use less energy to circulate the same amount of air.
You should also make sure your ducts are clean. This is because dirt and dust can limit your system’s efficiency. By doing so, it helps ensure that your heating and cooling systems last longer.
Have a professional check your HVAC system regularly. Also, make sure that all parts are functioning properly because a failing part can potentially waste some energy.
Invest in Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are designed to learn your patterns and preferences and adjust themselves accordingly. They use automation, sensors, and artificial intelligence to do their job. This saves energy since you don’t have to keep adjusting the temperature manually.
They come with automated scheduling and can be programmed to recognize when you’re away from home. Smart thermostats also offer remote access via a smartphone app so you can adjust the temperature from anywhere. With that, you will not waste energy running an air conditioning unit or heater when no one is there to enjoy it.
Smart thermostats also have energy reports, so you can evaluate the ways you can tweak your energy usage. Some of these thermostats can automatically switch to eco-mode to minimize energy consumption when the house is empty.
Use Energy Star-Rated Equipment
Energy Star-certified appliances, lights, and electronics are up to 30 percent more efficient than their counterparts. They help reduce carbon dioxide emissions while meeting strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Make sure that all appliances and electronic equipment meet the energy star guidelines. This is to ensure lower utility bills and reduce energy costs.
Swap out your old appliances for newer Energy Star-rated versions right away, as all appliances need replacing eventually. Audio or visual components also receive Energy Star ratings to help identify more efficient products. Thus, look for those labeling when shopping for a new TV or computer.
Utilize Efficient Lighting
Going for efficient lighting starts with switching to LED lights, as they are the most energy efficient. LED lights last longer, burn brighter, and use lesser energy than incandescent bulbs.
Another way to achieve efficient lighting is to replace incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. CFL bulbs last longer and use less energy than an equivalent incandescent light bulb.
Motion sensors are especially beneficial for rooms that have lights that are left on for long periods. Moreover, smart lighting systems can be programmed through an app to automatically switch off when it’s not in use.
You can use dimmer switches and motion sensors to reduce the amount of energy used. Also, make sure to utilize natural lighting wherever possible.
Consider Investing in Solar Panels
Solar panels are durable and will last for 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. They come in various sizes, so you can buy one that fits your home and energy needs.
Additionally, installing solar panels may qualify you for various government incentives. This can bring down your installation costs without you realizing it.
When selecting solar panels, consider the type of roof you have. Panels will need to be mounted on your roof to absorb as much of the sun’s energy as possible.
Additionally, make sure that your roof is large enough for the number of panels you plan to install. Also, see to it that the area receives sufficient sunlight.
Have an Energy Efficient Home Today
Making your home more energy efficient can help save the environment. Take action now! Paint your walls with light colors, insulate air leaks, maintain your heating and cooling system, invest in a smart thermostat, use energy star-rated equipment, utilize efficient lighting, and consider investing in solar panels.
Looking for more ways to improve your daily life while you protect the environment? Check out our other blog posts for more helpful tips and tricks today!
