As we all become more aware of our impact on the environment around us, more homeowners from Texas to New York are looking for affordable ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Being able to save energy costs should be every homeowner’s priority because this is a long-term responsibility that can significantly affect their comfort and financial health. Not being able to afford one’s energy bills can result in power interruption, which can become the reason why the entire household will feel uncomfortable at home.
Fortunately, simple upgrades can make a huge difference to your carbon footprint and save you money on expensive energy costs. Not only can you save money on your energy bills, but these changes can actually make your home more attractive to potential buyers. A house is an expensive investment, which is why homebuyers would choose a property that allows them to save money on energy bills. Moreover, when you integrate eco-friendly features into your home, you can help to increase the resale value of your home.
Whether you are working with a custom home builder in Houston or New York or buying a preowned home, upgrading your appliances and switching out your older lightbulbs to LEDs are all easy and affordable ways to make energy efficiency a priority.
Let’s take a look at a few changes that you can make to save you both money and energy.
Smart Thermostat
A lot of energy consumed is wasted on heating and cooling a home when no one is home. Installing a smart thermostat gives homeowners the option to control their HVAC systems and set a specific user profile that fits their needs. They can program a time schedule for their heating and cooling needs that reduces the amount of wasted money and energy.
Moreover, installing a smart thermostat in your home will become a cost-effective investment as this will only turn on when there is a person inside the room. This means that your fixtures will automatically turn off the moment you leave certain rooms in your house.
Thermal Windows
If your home has older windows, you may notice that your energy bills just keep getting higher. Windows that are damaged or have compromised seals can allow drafts and provide less UV protection, causing your HVAC systems to work harder to maintain the right temperatures. Older windows will also develop cracks and gaps, and continually using them in your home will allow the air produced by your HVAC system to escape outdoors.
Thermal windows work to keep your heated and cooled air in your home and not drifting out through the cracks. They are also constructed from multiple layers of glass, giving you the best protection and helping to reduce your overall energy costs.
Aside from helping you save money from paying expensive energy costs, thermal windows will also make your indoors feel colder or warmer for longer periods without the need to turn on your HVAC system all the time.
If you’re looking to further enhance the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, consider investing in window tinting. Window tinting can provide additional insulation and UV protection, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the strain on your HVAC system. Many companies offer a home window tinting free estimate, allowing you to explore your options and make an informed decision for your home improvement project. Just be sure to research reputable providers in your area.
Energy Star Appliances
These eco-friendly appliances can help you reduce your energy costs and reduce your water consumption. Appliances like your refrigerator, dryer, and dishwasher can use a lot of energy just to run one regular cycle. With Energy Star rated appliances that are designed with savings in mind, you can help to reduce your energy bills and further reduce your carbon footprint.
If you’ve been using the same appliances for years, consider upgrading to newer ones. Newer models of refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers are energy-star rated, which means that buying them will be cost-effective in the long run.
Extra Insulation
If your home is several decades old, you may be able to benefit by adding an extra layer of insulation to your roof. Over time, the effectiveness of your original insulation may have broken down, affecting its performance. Warm air rises, and if you don’t have sufficient insulation, you could be losing a lot of energy through your roof.
LED Bulbs
You may be surprised how much energy you can save by just changing out your lightbulbs. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last for much longer. They also don’t produce as much ambient heat and are available in different tints and colors.
Low Flow Fixtures
Reducing your water consumption can be as simple as switching out your faucets and your toilet. Installation of eco-friendly showerheads, faucets, and toilets can pay for themselves in savings in just a few months. Most models come with manual adjustments so that you can regulate the pressure to your liking while still using significantly less water to get the job done.
Change Service Providers
While some countries only have one energy provider, others have the privilege of choosing from several options. If you live in a country that qualifies for the latter, consider changing your service provider so you can save money on your energy bills in the long run.
If you’re living in Texas, for example, and are unhappy with the amount of your energy bills every month, it might be best to try out other reliable providers, such as Reliant Energy. Changing your service providers can help you lower your energy bills, especially if you find one that charges less than your current provider.
In Conclusion
We can all make changes in our lives to embrace a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. But by making a few of these easy and affordable energy-saving upgrades to your home, you can start to see smaller energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
