Whether you’re trying to save money or reduce your environmental footprint, making your home more energy-efficient is an effective way to do both.
It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming as you might think. These easy steps can help reduce your utility bills and make your home a greener place to live.
Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-saving appliances can make a big difference in your home. Not only will they save you money on electricity bills, but they also contribute towards environmental protection.
These appliances include clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and room air conditioners. The EPA and Department of Energy recognize products that meet certain energy efficiency criteria with the Energy Star label.
Energy-saving appliances like ENERGY STAR can save you money in the long run and are worth the price premium. Furthermore, there may be state, local, or utility rebates available that reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home with the correct insulation will not only make it more comfortable, but it’ll also help save on energy bills. Furthermore, it protects families from cold drafts and heat loss.
It is essential to check the insulation levels in your attic, around windows, doors, floors and ceilings. Once identified, caulk or foam should be used to seal off air leaks.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Selecting energy-saving light bulbs is an efficient way to reduce your electricity expenses and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Different bulbs come in a variety of forms, such as incandescent, halogen, CFL and LEDs. Each has its own advantages and advantages so you should select the one that’s most suitable for your home.
Air-Dry Your Laundry
Air-drying your clothes instead of using the dryer is an economical way to reduce utility costs. Plus, it reduces your household’s carbon footprint by up to 2,400 pounds annually!
Air-drying your clothes is a gentler option that can extend their life and keep them looking newer longer. But not every fabric responds well to this drying method, so it’s essential to know which fabrics work best and when.
Install Dimmer Switches
Dimmable switches give you greater control of the light in your home and help save energy over time.
Installing a dimmer switch is an easy DIY project that you can do yourself, but make sure you’re properly prepared for the task.
Before you begin, disconnect power to the switch at either your circuit breaker box or fuse box. Then, test the switch to make sure it’s off.
Install Outside Lights
Installing the right lighting for your home can make it more energy-efficient and increase its value. It also enhances security, reduces theft or crime risks, and illuminates your yard safely in the dark.
Outdoor lights can be installed in any area of your property that requires illumination, such as at the driveway, garage, porch and any major pathways used both day and night. When selecting a style for outdoor lights make sure it complements the overall design of your landscape.
Install Low-Flow Faucets
One easy and affordable way to conserve water is by installing low-flow faucets. These fixtures use around 30% less water than standard faucets.
Aerator on low-flow faucets effectively mixes air into the stream to reduce volume without weakening water flow.
This water-saving measure can save the average family 700 gallons of water annually, or about 40 showers. Furthermore, it helps conserve energy used to heat water for washing clothes.
Upgrade Your Windows
Switching your windows is one of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient. Upgrading from single-pane windows to Energy Star-rated double pane alternatives can reduce up to 25% of your heating costs.
Upgrading your old windows may seem like a costly venture, but it will reap rewards in the long run. New window frames, sashes, tracks and gaskets can help seal up leaky or drafty windows while also conserving energy that your current ones consume.
