When you own a house, one of the most expensive aspects can be energy usage. With depletion in energy resources, the costs of energy utilities are rising. Hence, people are looking forward to modern solutions that can help them save energy. The best way to do this is by reducing energy usage.
When you use less energy, it is evident that the costs too will go down. Besides, energy-efficient houses are also more comfortable when it comes to temperature. However, the challenge is that most people don’t know how to make their homes energy-efficient.
Leverage Low-E Glass Technology
Low-E glass can be a crucial energy saver for your home. It keeps the UV rays out of your place, protecting you and your furniture. It can control the number of infrared rays coming and leaving your home. Installing low-E technology to your windows keeps your home cooler and warmer according to the outer temperature. Thus, you won’t have to use HVAC systems for extended hours. This increases the efficiency of energy and hence helps in saving more.
Insulate Your House
Insulation maintains the proper temperature inside the house and saves your bills every month. There are many places in your property that need appropriate insulation. For instance, the attic needs insulation as heat can escape through the roof and let the cool air inside.
If you have a basement, insulation will protect against moisture, which invites molds and pests. Also, the ceiling faces condensation problems due to a lack of insulation. Hence, even the ceiling needs to be insulated to save energy. Similarly, you can also repair your garage door for enhanced insulation. As it is a big door, this might be the area of extreme heat and energy loss. Insulating it can reduce creaks and rattles, add strength, provide thermal boundary, and positively impact your home.
Improve Air Quality
Higher pollution and poor quality of air result in higher electricity consumption. We must avoid letting it inside the house that adds energy costs. For this, you need to keep the kitchen and bathrooms well ventilated. You can install exhaust fans that stop moisture build-up, causing allergies.
It will also help to ensure that you are keeping the dust away from the pipes and filters. For example, if the filter of an air conditioner is not clean, it will require extra energy to cool your house. Hence, regular cleaning of such filters and ducts is necessary. Moreover, you can use indoor plants that can be effective air purifiers.
Install LED Light
LED lights are the most efficient lighting technology. They last longer and are more durable compared to others. They emit light in a range of colors, in a particular direction that reduces the need for diffusers and reflectors. Thus, they require emitting relatively less heat for brightening your home. Also, they reduce the risk of combustion and are more resistant to breakage.
Moreover, LED lights reduce environmental pollution and global greenhouse gases emissions, thereby again helping to save on electricity, as discussed in the previous point.
Use Solar Panels
Solar panels can be a great way to save energy costs. They convert sun rays into energy. This eliminates the need for consuming payable energy and reduces your bills. Although they might require upfront costs, the benefits that come in the long run are more tempting. You can use the converted energy directly during the day.
However, if you don’t want to use it straight away, you can also store the unused power in a battery. This way you can save even more energy. They are low maintenance and last long with regular check-ups from a contractor.
Additionally, solar panels also reduce your home’s environmental effect. Since the power is generated from sunlight instead of fossil fuels, it prevents direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Repair HVAC
If you tune-up for your heating and cooling system, it will ensure that your air conditioner and furnace work at maximum efficiency. This automatically saves your bills. In addition, you should make sure if the connections are proper and parts are greased. An annual tune-up by a technician will help you avoid urgent repairs in the future.
Audit Energy Usage
Home energy audits are services where a professional energy auditor assesses the inefficiencies of your home. This step will help you discover the cost-cutting options and areas that need improvement. You can then make informed decisions based on the assessment to make your home energy efficient.
Use Fans
Fans consume only a fraction of energy than that your air conditioner does. You can save energy by reducing the usage of air conditioners and shift to using fans. The air conditioners can be reserved for summer, while the fans can serve you the rest of the days, saving your bills.
When added together, these are some points that can give you an energy-efficient home with the best savings on electricity bills.
