Becoming eco-conscious has never been more important than now. Next, to the already visible consequences of global warming, every person should do their best to minimize their impact on the environment, and this is where sustainability comes into play. By making your home as eco-friendly as possible, you’ll be not only saving money on the utility bills but also preserving the environment. With that in mind, here are ten ways in which you can boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Change your bad habits
Yes, we all love taking long, relaxing baths, but if you enjoy them more than a few times per year, you’re wasting more water – and energy you need for heating it – than necessary. So, instead of taking long baths, take shorter showers, and never leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Moreover, try to remember to unplug the appliances after using them, and always turn the lights off after leaving a room.
Use water-saving fixtures
If you’re looking for a more mechanical solution to your water-wasting problem, consider installing low-flow showerheads, aerators, and double-flush toilets. These fixtures are definitely worth investing in as they can help you make your home more sustainable and efficient. Do your research, and see which fixtures would fit your home the best.
Buy energy-saving appliances
When it comes to your appliances, not all of them are energy-efficient. If you can afford to go shopping for new ones, look for those that are Energy Star certified. They might cost a bit more initially, but the investment will definitely pay off in the long run. Just don’t forget to turn them off when not use – they use less energy, but they still do use it.
Improve the insulation in your home
If your home is poorly insulated, you’ll be wasting energy on both heating and cooling all year round, since your walls won’t be able to keep the temperature inside the way it is for too long. Therefore, make sure to properly insulate your home so it doesn’t release the warm or cool air. When insulating, you should also think about the material of your insulation. For example, while fiberglass is usually the most common material, the high-quality architectural cladding is perfect for external facades.
Upgrade your boiler
In many homes, hot water boiler has become the appliance that uses the most energy, and it is another thing that should be insulated because if it’s not of the best quality, the water inside won’t stay hot for too long – which means that you’ll be using energy to heat it up more often. So, consider replacing it if it’s an older model, or at least insulating it by wrapping it in rock-wool, Styrofoam, or insulation blankets.
Replace your windows
Your windows can also make your home lose a lot of heat during the colder months and cool air during the warmer ones. This can influence your energy consumption a lot, and most of the older types of windows as not as energy efficient as you wish they were. With that in mind, consider installing double-glazed windows and aluminum frames.
Use thicker curtains
Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. Consider hanging thicker curtains over your windows, so that less heat can escape your home. You should also use thicker carpets and mats for the same reason, and you can buy stick-on insulation to help you insulate your doors. These simple solutions are not expensive, and they can still help you lower your utility bills.
Invest in LED lights
Consider replacing your regular light bulbs with the LED ones. Just like the energy-efficient appliances, LED bulbs are more expensive than the regular ones, but they also last longer, so it’s an investment that is bound to pay off sooner or later.
Consider solar panels
Solar panels could be a great investment if you have the budget for them. You can install them on your rooftop, and they would help you reduce your bills by providing you with your own electricity. Plus, they are also eco-friendly, so that’s another plus you should keep in mind. Finally, eco-friendly upgrades like this one can also raise the value of your home if you ever decide to sell it.
Conduct an energy efficiency audit
Consider scheduling an energy efficiency audit so you can see how energy-efficient your home truly is. The professionals can evaluate your home’s energy efficiency, and they can also tell you how you can improve it. This can help you see which parts of your home you should focus on.
There are many ways in which you can improve the energy efficiency of your home. Some of them are a bit more expensive, while others would cost you nothing but your time and effort. So, think about what you can do to reduce your bills, and make some changes, which are guaranteed to improve your home in more ways than one.
Leave a Reply