Some do it to save on utility bills while others like the idea of contributing to the worldwide effort to save the environment. Whatever your reason may be, making changes to your home to make it more energy-efficient is an excellent idea.
You see, your home is a system. You can improve its performance and save some money when you start taking measures that can reduce building loads. It also greatly helps to install appliances and systems that are the right size for the reduced loads.
To improve household energy efficiency, the first step you should take is to work on the “envelope” of your home. That envelope includes the doors and windows, as well as the walls, and the attic. Once you have improved the efficiency of those areas, you can work on the efficiency of other systems in your home like your heating and cooling system, your lighting, and all the other appliances. Of course, you can also consider generating clean energy from solar or geothermal sources.
Insulate Your Attic and Walls Properly
When your home is effectively insulated, the rate the heat flows out of your house during the cold months is slow. During summer, it also slows down the rate heat flows into your home. This means it takes less energy to either heat or cool the house. If your house doesn’t have wall insulation (and it probably has continuous wall cavities), you can improve comfort in your home and save energy with blown-in insulation. If you have an unfinished attic, it’s time to pay attention to that and upgrade insulation in that area.
Now, if there’s one thing that is more important than the materials used for insulation, that would be the contractor you choose to do the job. Remember that the key to achieving efficiency of insulation is the proper installation. For matters as important as your home’s comfort and your family’s safety, you should only trust experienced contractors like George Kent Home Improvements to handle things.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
If you live in a house that has been around for a few decades now, chances are, there are windows and doors that are already creaky and leaky. Those have to be replaced, and since you are already going to spend money on replacement units, why not invest in models that are energy-efficient. You can check out the array of Energy Star-rated windows from George Kent Home Improvements. We also have an assortment of doors that you can choose from, or you can have one customized for you! We can even help you decide which style suits your home best!
Replace Your Old Furnace
Any furnace that was built before the year 1992 most probably wastes about 35% of the fuel it uses. It’s also nearing the end of its lifetime. It is highly recommended that you replace your old unit with a condensing furnace as this type wastes no more than 10 percent of the natural gas that you pay for. It also helps you save on your heating bill.
Get New Light Bulbs
Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? It’s time that you replace them with compact fluorescent lamps. The latter might cost more but they can save about three-quarters of the electricity that is consumed by incandescents.
These are just some excellent ways for you to save energy. How many of these have you already done? What other things do you do to achieve a “greener” home?
