You can do a lot around your house to make it more energy-efficient. Not only will this save money on your monthly bills, but it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the environment.
Here are some ways you can make your home more energy-efficient without making any significant changes:
1. Swap Out Your Light Bulbs
Switching to a ceiling fan can save you a lot of energy. If you have an old incandescent bulb, replacing it with a CFL or LED is one of the simplest ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
Letting natural light enter your home is another excellent way to reduce energy use. If you work long hours, make sure to open the curtains when you get home.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
You should also consider upgrading your household appliances. Energy Star certified products are up to 75 percent more efficient than conventional ones, so they use less energy and cost less money to run.
You can start by replacing old appliances, which use one-quarter of the energy in your home. New refrigerators and freezers typically use 50 percent less power than their older counterparts, while new washers and dryers can blow that figure up to 65 percent.
3. Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Make sure both your heating and cooling systems are in good working order to keep your house comfortable throughout the year while reducing your utility bills at the same time.
It would help to keep the vents in your house clear of furniture and rugs so the warm air can circulate properly. This will help you feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
4. Get Some Energy-Efficient Windows
Another great way to reduce your heating and cooling costs is with new windows with a low “U” rating for delivering heat, which means they’re highly insulated.
Remember that it’s essential to get professional advice on the correct window type for your home. Also, install the windows correctly, so they work as efficiently as possible.
5. Install Solar Panels
Swapping out your home’s old oil or gas heating system with one powered by solar panels is another simple way to make it more energy-efficient.
The best part is you also won’t have to worry about rising energy costs because solar power is virtually free once installed.
6. Get a New Refrigerator
Replacing an old refrigerator with a new, efficient model can make a significant difference in how much energy your home uses since refrigerators are one of the biggest home appliances when it comes to electricity usage.
If possible, go for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label because they are more than 20 percent more efficient than the federal minimum standard.
7. Use a Smart Thermostat
Home automation systems with smart thermostats can help you keep both home and energy costs low while giving you more control over your home comfort.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat with built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for remote access so you can adjust the temperature from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or computer.
You can schedule your home’s temperature settings to suit your day and then change it at the touch of a button on your smartphone when you’re on your way home from work, for example.
8. Replace Your Deadbolt Locks
Installing deadbolt locks on every door of your home is another simple way to make it more secure without making any significant changes to how it looks or functions.
Even better is that replacing them will make your home safer while reducing the chance of damage occurring to your home.
9. Install Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
Installing solar outdoor lights is a great way to keep your home well-lit at night without having to worry about turning them on or off all the time.
Solar outdoor lights are an affordable, energy-efficient solution that’s easy to install and maintain, so you won’t have to spend any more money on home lighting costs for decades.
10. Plant Some Shade Trees
Planting shade trees around your home can help insulate it by reducing the amount of heat coming in through windows during the summer months and blocking cold air from getting inside during the winter months.
Trees also improve air quality inside your home by filtering it to absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen.
Reducing the amount of energy your home consumes doesn’t have to be a difficult task. In fact, there are many simple ways you can make your home more efficient without making any significant changes.
We’ve outlined ten easy tips that will help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your home’s environmental impact at the same time.