What Steps Can You Take to Have a More Energy Efficient Home?

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? You’re not the only one. Over half of all Americans struggle with their energy bills on a monthly basis, and it’s not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to keep your home warm in the winter or cool in the summer.

However, having an energy efficient home can save you a lot of money in the long run, which is important if you’re working with a budget. The Department of Energy reports that you can cut your energy bills by 25% and save $2,200 every year. So if you’re interested in making your home more energy efficient and you’re wondering how you can do it, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to learn more.

Heating & Cooling

One of the most important things you can do to have an energy-efficient and eco-friendly home is to make sure your heating and cooling systems are working properly. In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher to save on cooling costs, and in the winter, set it to 68 degrees or lower to save on heating costs.

You can also save money by using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home. One study shows that you can cut your energy bills by 8% a year with a smart thermostat.

Windows & Doors

If your home windows and doors are old and inefficient, they can account for a large percentage of your home’s energy loss.

Home improvements, like replacing old doors and windows with new, energy-efficient models, can help to seal in heat in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. Learn more here on how energy-efficient windows and doors can help you on your road to an environmentally friendly home.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Inefficient lighting can be a huge drain on your home’s energy usage. LED lighting is a great option for an energy-efficient home. LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This will make your home more appealing to eco-friendly buyers if you plan to sell it.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are also a good choice for energy efficiency. CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

When shopping for energy-efficient lighting, look for the ENERGY STAR label to be sure you are choosing the most efficient option.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Many people don’t realize how much energy their appliances use on a daily basis. If you have energy-efficient appliances, they will use less energy and help you save money on your utility bills.

There are a few things to look for when trying to find energy-efficient appliances. The first is the ENERGY STAR label. This label means that the appliance meets certain standards for energy efficiency.

Another thing to look for is capacity. A larger capacity appliance will use more energy than a smaller one. Finally, check the power usage. A higher-wattage appliance will use more energy than a lower-wattage one.

Home Insulation

There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, but one of the most important is to make sure it is well insulated. Insulation helps to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool in during the summer, which can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.

There are many different types of insulation available, so you should talk to a professional to find out which is best for your home.

Start Your Journey to an Energy Efficient Home Today!

You can have an energy efficient home by making energy efficiency upgrades, using renewable energy sources, and making smart choices about your energy use. With some effort, homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills.

Looking for more info on homeownership? Check out our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks.