Energy efficiency in the home is for more than just the comfort of those who live there. It can help you to reduce your carbon footprint in the environment around you and also keep money in your pocket. There are several things you can do to boost the efficiency of your home. Some of them are things you can do each and every day, while others take a little more work and require some innovative building materials.
Check out the tips below to see how you can boost your energy efficiency today!
Window Dressings
One simple and inexpensive way to help boost your energy efficiency is to find heavy drapes for your windows and investing in energy star rated window options. These thicker curtains can help to block the heat from the sun during the hot summer months and keep the warmth in your home during the cold of winter. They can fit any décor you may have and there’s a wide selection to choose from.
Consider Installing Skylights
Skylights are a great investment not only for the cosmetic value but the efficiency value as well. They can help to brighten up any room they are installed in without turning on a switch. They can also bring warmth into the room when you face the cooler months without having to turn on the furnace. You can work with an experienced installation technician to make sure they are installed correctly and see which rooms they work best in.
Good Foundation
The foundation and bones of your home need to be done correctly as well. One thing to do is make sure there are no leaks in the foundation of your home. If you see any cracks on the outside or inside walls, have a technician come in and check them. You can also improve your home by installing House Wrap insulation to the bones. Just make sure that your home’s goal is well understood by your architect or contractor. “Many builders think all house wrap is basically the same, so they look for the option with the lowest cost”. Removing old insulation and installing fresh new installation will immediately help your energy efficiency.
Paint on Your Home
Do you have a dark exterior to your home? While it may look nice, it’s also contributing to your heating and air conditioning bill each month. During the summer, that dark paint color is bringing in and absorbing heat making your home warmer than you might like. Consider an upgrade to the paint outside by using a much lighter color.
Replacing Old Appliances
When it is time to replace the refrigerator, washing machine, dryer or even your HVAC system, go for the energy-efficient models. By replacing your appliances, you can help to reduce the energy draw each month from your current models. There are many models out there to choose from that will help to reduce the consumption of energy and help you do the job just as great.
Seal the Home
It is important to ensure that your home is sealed tightly and that there are no leaks letting in the heat or out the cold. You want to make sure that your home is checked regularly for new leaks developing around windows trim and doors. This can cost you more money than you might think. It’s a good idea to check during spring and then again during the fall so you can make sure that you’re avoiding any new leaks from developing.
Change Your Lightbulbs
Don’t forget to change out all your current light bulbs for the energy saving LED’s or compact fluorescent bulbs. This can drastically help to reduce your power bill and keep your home bright and well-lit at all times.
Whether you’re installing House Wrap installation, painting the outside or changing light bulbs, all of these tips can help you to greatly increase the efficiency of your home.
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