How to Make your Home More Energy Efficient
Whether your goal is to help save the planet or simply to reduce your energy bills, aiming for maximum energy efficiency is a good idea. While some ways to improve efficiency are quite expensive, others are much more accessible.
Swipe through to get ideas about how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Address Drafty Areas
Depending on the age and condition of your home, you can either replace non-energy-efficient doors and windows, or simply seal everything up. Applying caulk, weatherstripping or putty can quickly seal up air leaks, and most DIYers can handle these tasks.
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Insulation
Adding or replacing the insulation in your attic, walls and floors can certainly make your home more energy efficient. If you’re an experienced DIYer, you can probably handle this task on your own, but you can also call in the pros to help out.
Upgrade HVAC
If your home is older, a new HVAC system can improve energy efficiency. It’s definitely a significant investment, but if you plan to stay in the house for an extended period, upgrading your old heating and air conditioning systems can save money over the long term.
Install LEDs
If you still have incandescent or CFL bulbs in light fixtures in your home, it’s time to swap them out for LEDs, which use as much as 75% less energy. LEDs also last about 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
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Energy Star Appliances
If you’ve been thinking of upgrading the refrigerator, look for an Energy Star-certified model, which means it has met certain standards for energy efficiency. You’ll also find other Energy Star-rated appliances, including washers, dryers, room air conditioners and ovens.
Update the Electrical System
Older homes might have inefficient electrical systems that are not properly equipped to handle modern demands. (They could also be a fire hazard.) Have a licensed electrician over to evaluate your system for both safety and efficiency.
Install a Metal Roof
This is another big-ticket item, but over a number of years, it might pay you back in energy savings. The way metal roofs are typically installed allows airflow underneath, which results in a decrease in hot air flow, and therefore less energy usage. Metal roofs also retain less heat in the summer.