Do you feel as though your home isn’t quite as energy-efficient as it could be? Maybe you want to make a positive change but you just have no idea how to go about doing it. Either way now is the time for you to take a step in the right direction. If you want to find out more then take a look below.
Swap out your Lightbulbs
The first thing you need to do is swap out your light bulbs. This could save you way more money than you realize, not to mention that it is one of the best ways for you to make your home energy efficient. If you swap out just ten lightbulbs in your home then this will multiply your potential savings.
Double-Glazing
If you haven’t invested in double glazing yet then now is the time for you to change that. If you have an older property then you could be losing way more money than you realise. Heat loss primarily occurs through the windows in your home, so if you only have single-glazing or if you have rotten window frames then this will make it much harder for you to get the results you are going for. If you want some new windows then be sure to check out Renewal by Andersen windows.
Harness the Sun’s Energy
You may be surprised at how much energy you could save by simply adding solar panels to your home. Even in cloudy climates, it’s important to know that the sun is a fantastic source of renewable energy. When it comes to solar panels, you have two options. You have solar PV panels and this converts light energy into power. They don’t need any kind of direct sunlight to work and they are effective even on the cloudiest of days. You can also opt for solar water heating. This works by heating your hot water tank as opposed to your home. The potential for saving is huge here. Even though you do have an initial amount to pay for the solar panels themselves, the energy that the panels generate is free. If you have an electric car then you can capitalise on these benefits even more. You can charge your car with solar energy and this will help you to double your energy efficiency.
Make sure your Home is Insulated
There are three different types of insulation that you can have in your home. You have cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation and even loft insulation. Cavity wall insulation is a simple yet cost-effective way for you to try and keep your home warm. If your home was built past the year 1920 then there is a high chance that you have cavity walls. This is great for stopping damp but at the end of the day, it’s cold if you do not get it insulated properly. If you want to do something about this then it is wise for you to add some insulating material between the inner and the outer wall. You can then keep the heat in and the cold out. A bonus of this is that cavity wall insulation is both long-lasting and cheap. Solid wall insulation is what you’ll need if your home was built before the 1920s or if it doesn’t have any kind of cavity. This insulation goes outside the building as a type of cladding. This tends to be much more expensive than cavity wall insulation but at the end of the day it is worth the saving.
Energy from the Ground
Why not try and get your energy from the ground? Ground energy sources, or heat pumps can easily be buried in the garden and they are great at absorbing heat from the earth. You can then use it to power your home. Fluid-filled components are placed under the surface and they are warmed by the natural energy in the earth. The fluid is then passed through a compressor which helps to increase the heat. Potential savings here are huge. This option is ideal if you want to lower your fuel bills or if you want to live a greener life. You can also get paid for the energy that you produce, but that you don’t use.
Get a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is ideal if you want to try and take control of your energy usage. It uses software to try and learn your habits so you can keep your home heated as it should be. If you are going to be in your home for a while then a smart thermostat could be a very good investment.
April 24, 2023 at 6:29 am
Also, consider improving the efficiency of your swimming pool. For this, switch to a variable speed pool pump. A study from the U.S. Department of Energy showed that variable speed pumps can save pool owners over 80% on their energy bills compared to traditional pumps.
May 5, 2023 at 5:18 am
To cut down on your energy bills, also remember to perform regular maintenance on your air conditioning system. According to this article https://www.aceplumbingsc.com/why-should-you-get-ac-maintenance-before-the-summer/, a tune-up on your AC unit can save you up to 15% on your power bill each month.
May 12, 2023 at 6:47 am
Yeah, a smart thermostat is actually a good thing to consider. According to real-world data gathered by the Environmental Protection Agency, smart thermostats that meet Energy Star criteria save users an average of 8% on their utility bills.
Good news: smart thermostats are pretty easy to install. However, if you feel not experienced enough in these matters, you can always have your HVAC expert show you.
May 15, 2023 at 3:53 am
Also, consider upgrading your HVAC system with a new energy-efficient option.
When upgrading your HVAC system, look into appliances with a high SEER rating and ENERGY STAR labeling — these ones are more energy-efficient. Also, please remember to check the new HVAC regulations for 2023. These changes are legally effective from January 1 this year.
May 17, 2023 at 2:10 am
Thank you for the reminder! I only want to add that new minimum efficiency requirements differ in northern and southern states. In this article, you can find a map and find out “your minimum”: https://www.gervaismechanical.com/seer-ratings-are-changing-new-efficiency-standards-for-hvac-systems-in-2023/.
May 16, 2023 at 8:22 am
I see you’re suggesting installing solar panels – that’s great!
While installing solar panels may seem expensive, homeowners can qualify for a tax credit that will greatly reduce the payback period of the panels. For systems installed in 2023, homeowners can claim 22% of qualifying installation costs as a tax credit.
You can read more about it in the article: https://www.edelmaninc.com/blog/how-efficient-are-solar-panels/.
May 19, 2023 at 11:13 am
Thanks for such great tips!! I also want to mention such a thing as regular HVAC maintenance. It is another vital aspect of an eco-friendly lifestyle as it can improve your home’s energy efficiency by up to 15%.
Check out this article where we share a comprehensive HVAC maintenance checklist for every season: https://integrityheating-cooling.com/news-media/hvac-maintenance-everything-homeowners-must-know.
May 23, 2023 at 12:25 pm
Tindo solar first online solar store offering a huge range of solar panels, regulators, grid inverters, solar batteries, chargers, inverters.
June 1, 2023 at 3:53 am
Not everyone is ready to switch to alternative energy, but there’s something everyone can do easily to save energy at home. You can improve the energy efficiency of your appliances, like your air conditioner, for example. If it’s not properly maintained, it can use a lot of energy. Regular maintenance for your AC is not hard, and some homeowners may even want to do it themselves. Here’s a guide that can help: Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners.
June 1, 2023 at 6:39 am
Using a smart thermostat is actually a good way to reduce energy bills. While installing a smart thermostat costs more than a mechanical thermostat, the benefits they provide are well worth it. Besides the ultimate convenience, smart thermostats save you money and keep the system running more efficiently.
June 8, 2023 at 3:48 am
I love the idea of installing a smart thermostat. But for better results, I want to suggest you set your thermostat a tad higher in summer and a bit lower in winter. Don’t worry, you won’t notice much change in temperature, but your energy consumption will drop significantly.
Check out these heating and cooling schedule samples: https://www.dashservice.com/save-energy.
June 20, 2023 at 6:10 am
That’s right, the upfront cost of installing solar panels might be high. But the potential savings are huge, plus, with solar tax credits and other solar Incentives, homeowners and businesses can receive a significant reduction in the cost of installation.
July 4, 2023 at 6:28 am
Yes, double-glazed windows can actually contribute to improved home energy efficiency.
As for the material of the window, I suggest considering steel. Thermally-broken steel windows are an excellent alternative to cheaper, inferior options such as plastic or aluminum. Being thermally broken means that windows keep moisture out while keeping the heat in. And if you think that steel windows are rough and not appealing enough, just take a look: https://portella.com/blog/best-window-decor-steel-windows/.
July 7, 2023 at 3:05 am
Great article with practical tips for energy savings!
If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce air conditioning costs in summer, consider is to utilize natural ventilation. On cooler summer evenings, open your windows and let the fresh air in to naturally cool your home and help your air conditioning work less hard. This can help reduce energy consumption and provide a refreshing breeze.
December 28, 2023 at 4:28 am
In the vibrant city of Austin, where innovation meets tradition, homeowners are increasingly turning to steel doors to elevate the security, durability, and aesthetics of their homes. As the demand for robust and stylish entryways grows, several businesses in Austin are stepping up to provide top-notch steel door services.
August 5, 2024 at 7:06 am
I like the idea of solar water heating. As an alternative way to reduce costs on heating water you can consider switching to a tankless heater. Tankless heaters offer significant savings on energy bills, ranging from 8% to 34%, depending on how much water is used in your home.