Are you conscious of your energy consumption as the days come? As a homeowner, you want to make the most of your space. Tiny apartment dwellers need not apply.
Home improvement is a great place to start if you're looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. These upgrades can not only help lower your monthly energy bill, but they can also add value to your home.
You may have heard that COVID-19 has boosted home improvement sales, but is it a good idea to invest in energy-efficient updates? Yes, it could help you lower your energy bills.
So what are the best home improvements to make? In addition to hiring a qualified electrician, you may even be able to do some of the work yourself. Keep reading to learn more about energy-saving home improvements you can consider making.
1. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Installing energy-efficient lighting is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption in your home. Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, uses up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. However, it still provides the same light quality.
This decreases your energy bills. It also reduces your carbon footprint. LED bulbs also have longer lifetimes. This means more savings and fewer replacement costs.
They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. So you can choose the one that best suits your décor. Installing these bulbs in every homeroom can help you save energy and money in the long run.
2. Switch to Solar Energy
One home improvement that can reduce energy consumption is to switch to solar energy. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that uses energy from the sun and converts it into energy for household use.
Solar energy will make your space become an energy-efficient home. So hop over here to the solar energy side, as it can lower your energy bills compared to traditional energy sources. With the proper care and maintenance, a solar-powered home can provide you with clean, renewable energy for many years to come.
Additionally, solar panels have been known to last up to 30 years. So you wouldn't have to deal with frequent repairs or replacements. Installing solar panels on your property is a cost-effective way to reduce your carbon footprint without changing your lifestyle. You can check out duke energy rates here to compare how much you can potentially save by switching to solar.
3. Repaint With Low VOC
Repainting your home with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is a great way to reduce energy consumption. Low-VOC paints emit fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere than traditional paints.
They also reduce energy costs due to their greater insulation capabilities. It traps the heat inside the area. In hot weather, less energy is needed to keep the interior cool. Then in cold weather, the heat is kept in, reducing the need for extra heating.
Low VOC paint is easy to apply and requires no special equipment or tools. It also has a wide variety of colors and finishes. This makes it easy to match the décor of any room.
4. Improve Your Insulation
Another improvement that can reduce home energy consumption is improving your insulation.
This will improve the power efficiency of your home. It reduces your heating and cooling bills. It also protects your home from weather conditions.
Proper insulation in walls and ceilings helps keep the hot or cool air in the house longer and reduces drafts. Check your attic and walls for any air gaps to ensure adequate insulation. Then seal those around the exterior walls and window frames.
Caulking can also seal gaps around the external window frames and sills. Add weather stripping around door frames, window frames, and electrical outlets to improve insulation further. It can help to reduce energy waste.
Create a positive air pressure with insulation in the attic envelope. Proper sealing will help ensure that any heated or cooled air stays inside during the cold winter. With these improvements, you can reduce your energy consumption and help save on electricity and utility bills.
5. Upgrade Appliances to Energy Star-Certified Models
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies products with the Energy Star label when they meet some criteria. They should be at least 10 percent more efficient than standard models. They do not emit more pollutants than allowed by law and are durable and reliable.
These models are more energy-efficient compared to most standard units. Ordinary models use more energy to perform the same task.
Upgrading appliances to Energy Star-certified models will result in greater energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, making the home more friendly.
The Energy Star label can be found on various household appliances and products, from fridges and freezers to water heaters and dishwashers. A typical example of this is a clothes washer. An Energy Star model uses less water and electricity to get clothes as clean as a standard unit.
Homeowners should research the efficiency ratings and the associated energy and cost savings before investing in a new appliance.
Reduce Your Energy Consumption by Utilizing Some Home Improvements
Making home improvements to reduce energy consumption can dramatically impact home energy costs. Taking proactive steps to reduce energy consumption can save money. Establish a more efficient home and reduce stress on the environment.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances, add insulation to your home, install solar panels, and more. This is to reduce energy consumption in your home and become more energy efficient.
Start making energy-efficient home improvements today for maximum savings!
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After this: Installing solar panels on your property is a cost-effective way to reduce your carbon footprint without changing your lifestyle.