Whether you’re concerned about the future of the planet or tired of your high energy bills, lowering your overall energy consumption is an excellent solution for both. Do you want to enjoy energy savings but cannot afford major home improvements? Luckily, there are several easy energy-efficient home improvements that won’t cost you a fortune. Take a look.
Get the Right Window Treatment
The right window treatment is necessary to protect your home from cold winds and heatwaves. You can either glaze your windows or replace them with an energy-efficient alternative. Additionally, you can also install window awnings that are useful for lowering cooling costs as well as enhancing your home’s visual appeal.
Seal Doors & Windows
Just an energy-efficient window treatment is not enough to keep cool or hot air from escaping. Sealing doors and windows with caulking or weatherstripping is an inexpensive but effective option. Caulking Is quite easy to do yourself if you want extra savings.
However, if your doors and windows are quite old and worn out, it would be best to replace them.
Improve Overall Insulation
Without adequate insulation, your home won’t be able to retain energy. To avoid driving up your energy bills, insulate your entire house. From the attic and walls to the floorboards and basement, it’s crucial to ensure every major area is properly insulated. It’s a good idea to consult an expert for the job.
Replace Outdated Appliances
Typically, most appliances lose their energy efficiency after 10-15 years of use. If your household appliances are past their prime, it’s time to replace them. Look for Energy Star rated appliances that are highly energy efficient. You can extend their life by taking routine maintenance measures.
Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
When it comes to lighting fixtures, you need to get rid of incandescent bulbs in your home. Switch them out for LED light bulbs, which are not only energy-efficient but also highly durable. Totally worth the slightly higher cost!
Install Ceiling Fans
Turning up the air conditioning on hot days is a common mistake many homeowners make. Instead of getting stuck with high electricity bills, lower your consumption by installing ceiling fans in your home. Fans create a pleasant temperature without consuming too much electricity.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a must-have if you’re serious about enhancing the energy efficiency of your home. With the help of a smart thermostat, you can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature at an economical cost.
Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures
Water is used on a daily basis for showering, washing clothes, laundry and so on. While you cannot avoid any of these basic activities, you can still reduce your water consumption with low-flow bathroom fixtures. Low-flow bathroom fixtures help you waste significantly less water and lower water bills.
Use Green Energy
Why are you solely depending on your energy provider for your energy needs? There is abundant sunlight and it’s absolutely free. So, consider installing a solar panel to lower your energy bills and impact on the environment. You can further reduce your carbon footprint by switching to a renewable energy plan. Check out solar-friendly Origin electricity plans.
Replace HVAC Unit
An outdated HVAC unit will fail to heat or cool your home efficiently. Moreover, it’s probably consuming more electricity than required. You should replace the old HVAC unit with a new one to improve your energy savings.
The Bottom Line
In addition to increased energy savings, these home improvements are a way to invest in your property. Nowadays, homebuyers are keen on properties promising energy efficiency. Therefore, spending on these upgrades will also boost the value of your home.
