Adopting energy-saving measures can go a long way in decreasing your energy bills, making your home healthier and more comfortable, as well as increasing its energy efficiency and durability. It doesnt matter whether youre building a new or renovating an existing one. Below are some important energy saving tips every homeowner should put into practice.
Seal and Insulate
Windows, ceilings, doors, outer walls, floors, as well as hidden cracks and gaps may let excess air in and out of a home, making your heating and cooling systems to work extra hard. So, proper air sealing and insulation is needed to enhance your homes comfort and energy efficiency,
Its also worth noting that around 20% of the air moving via the ducts of your heating and cooling system is lost due to poorly sealed connections and leaks. This can make your indoor environment very uncomfortable, and lead to increased energy bills. So, be sure to seal any leaks in the duct system, if you want your best performance from your heating and cooling systems. You can also save a significant amount of energy by insulating the ducts in the unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces (more about crawl space insulation) and garages that get particularly hotter or colder during summer and winter.
Switch To ENERGY STAR Products
Nearly a half of the energy use in your home comes from products that you plug into the walls. Replacing your normal household electrical appliances with energy efficient ones, can greatly increase your homes energy efficiency and durability. Be sure to buy products that have the ENERGY STAR label on them. And of course not everyone can afford to replace their old household product with new ENERGY STAR products at once, so feel free to do so gradually.
To get the best performance from energy-efficient products and equipment, make sure they are installed properly. Why? Because improper installation can decrease a products inefficiency by up to 30%, shortening its life and costing you more on utility bills.
Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation
Another simple way to increase energy efficiency and durability in your home is by taking advantage of natural ventilation. Doors, windows and skylights bring in lots of fresh air and natural light, which brightens up and cools your home. This eliminates the need of using artificial lighting and cooling systems during the day. The more natural light you have in your home, the less youll have to depend on energy to run your light fixtures. Daylighting also helps to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Note that there are times when it can become too hot and humid that natural ventilation alone will not be effective. In such cases, an air conditioner, or a fan may be necessary.
Use Water Heating Systems That Are Energy-Efficient
Water heating is among the largest energy spenders in your home. But you dont have to continue incurring high water heating bills every month. So what are some of the things you can do to cut back those high bills? Choose energy-efficient water heaters for your pool and home i.e. solar water heaters, or tankless heat pump. In addition, you should also consider insulation your old water pipes and water heaters.
Make your home energy efficient, and create a healthy a comfortable living environment for your family, besides saving money on energy bills.
