There are many ways to boost the energy efficiency of your home, including replacing the furnace or dishwasher, cleaning air ducts, changing filters, installing a thermostat or switching to LED lights.
Even if you think your home is energy-efficient, there are probably still a few areas where you could make some improvements and save some money on your energy bill. If you are looking at making some home improvements that will make an impact on your energy usage, we suggest considering one or more of the following measures to help take your energy conservation to the next level.
Airtight Windows
Good insulation around your windows and doors will prevent loss of heat, consequently lowering the amount of energy needed to maintain the temperature at a comfortable level during the winter.
New Furnace
If you can afford to install a new, more advanced furnace in place of your old one, you may be able to recoup the investment over time by saving on your energy bill every month.
Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat device may lower your energy bills in any season of the year. A device that automatically controls the temperature without the need for human intervention is a smart way to optimize the use of your HVAC system. This is the best way to keep your home at the ideal temperature when you’re not at home and ensure it’s comfortable for when you return.
Clean Filters
Replacing the filters in your heating system will facilitate smoother airflow through the house, especially when coupled with duct cleaning, leading to more efficient fuel consumption.
Switch to LED
It is well known that LED lighting uses far less electricity to produce the same luminosity, which means that replacing the bulbs in your house with LED technology can make a huge difference in the long run.
Replace Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is among the largest energy wasters in your home, especially if it’s been in use for a while. Purchasing a more energy friendly model should be among your priorities if you have the financial means.
Fridge Ventilation
Refrigerators need some free space on the back side to operate at optimal efficiency. Also, try to avoid overloading the interiors if you want your fridge to use less electricity.
On-demand Water Heater
Instead of maintaining a reservoir of hot water at all times like classic heaters, these practical devices are turned on only when you actually need hot water.
Duct Cleaning
Calling a home air duct cleaning service at least once every five years is a good practice that will help remove dust from the HVAC system and enable it to operate at maximum capacity.
Efficiency Audit
To get the full picture of all the money you could be saving, it is best to ask for a professional assessment of your home and its energy efficiency features.