Efforts towards energy efficiency never stop, and most homeowners find that there are plenty areas of their home that can be altered and transformed to catapult energy efficiency. From small behavioral changes to larger, home improvement projects, conserving precious resources in your home can be achieved through a variety of means. Regardless of your budget or home, the following tips and strategies can help you reduce energy consumption and save money in one fell swoop.
1. Look Skyward
Becoming more energy efficient isn’t limited to the interior of your home. Your roof plays a larger role than you might think in transforming your property’s energy efficiency. While many homeowners are interested in solar panel installation, consider your roof first. The right energy efficient roofing can make a significant impact on your home’s comfort and function. While good roofs are designed to keep inclement weather out, modern, energy-efficient designs are designed to provide better temperature control. Energy efficient roofing uses advanced materials and techniques that maintain a cool temperature inside your home when it’s blazing hot outside. Some research says that installing an energy efficient roof could save a homeowner up to $20,000 in cooling costs over the span of 30 years. While this investment can be costly, there are PACE financing options from companies like Renovate America.
2. Seal Any Air Leaks
One of the biggest culprits behind energy inefficiency comes in the form of air leaks. Ever had your air conditioner blasting in the living room but the temperature doesn’t seem to cool down? Perhaps you’ve dealt with the opposite; the heater is on high but the room never seems to feel any warmer. When your home isn’t completely and adequately sealed, air can easily escape. This results in major consequences in both comfort and costs; when air can leak out, your heating and cooling system will be working hard for no payoff, meaning a larger utility bill and less comfort. If you suspect your home has air leaks, hire a home energy auditor to perform an air leak test. These professionals use blower door test and infrared imaging to detect how much energy is begin wasted in the building, and will provide a visual inspection and assessment of energy bills to let you know where you could be saving.
3. Replace Your Windows
Windows serve an important purpose in your home, and they do more than let in sunlight. Windows provide heat during the winter by letting in those sunshine rays, but old, drafty windows can increase energy bills by anywhere from 10 to 25 percent. Modern windows can be tailored to your home and climate to ensure the best protection and sealing processes. As windows are one of the most highly visible features of a home, this is one upgrade that can provide a one-two punch of functionality and aesthetic value.
4. HVAC Maintenance
Whether your HVAC system is a year old or came with the house when you loved in years ago, it’s important that you keep up with maintenance. Your heating and cooling systems must be regularly maintained in order to run properly and use energy efficiently. These regular tune ups are essential for ensuring your system remains highly efficient. The more efficient your HVAC system, the easier it is to keep your home comfortable with less work and fewer replacement issues. These maintenance checkups can help you reduce energy costs and reduce your impact on the environment.
5. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels can cost quite a bit, but this is one investment that can offer great returns. Using solar energy to heat and cool your home and run other energy-heavy processes can be a great use of alternative energy use. There are numerous government tax benefits available for homeowners that choose to adopt solar energy, but these incentives won’t last forever. As solar panels become more popular, it’s likely that these incentives will be rolled back, so timeliness could be important if you’re looking to secure rebates for your efforts.
An energy efficient home can keep you comfortable throughout the year while reducing costs and providing numerous benefits for the environment. There are many ways you can transform your home for better resale value, current comfort, and overall eco-friendliness. Consider one of these upgrades for your home and make a difference In 2018.