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An energy-efficient home benefits the environment and benefits us economically. The more efficient features and fixtures we have, the less money we spend on powering, heating, and cooling our homes.
In an ideal world, right from construction day, all homes should be the best of energy efficiency; sadly, this is not the case. With technological advancements, most property owners are trying their best to stay up-to-date. Adopt these hacks if you want to bring your current home to an entirely different level of energy efficiency at all:
Inspect Your Plumbing Systems and Appliances
How old are your plumbing systems and appliances, and when was the last time they were maintained? The older they are, the less efficient they can be, and the more they cost. Contact an expert in hot water system installation and maintenance to inspect your water heater, as well as other appliances such as heat pumps and dishwashers.
You can then learn whether they’re functioning at their best, are in good condition, or are reaching the end of their efficient lifespan.
Seal Air Gaps
Cold drafts around the windows, doors, and baseboards sure are frustrating during winter nights. You try to heat your home as much as possible, only to have it all leaking out through the gaps! If you’re not ready to pay tens of thousands just for new doors and windows, don’t worry. You can caulk or weather-strip the crack for now. You can also insulate outlet covers with foam gaskets.
And if you are in an area that has really bad winters, sealing those gaps will also help prevent pipes from bursting.
Upgrade to LED Bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs stand out in the grocery store because they are a mere fraction of the cost of an LED bulb. However, the cost savings of incandescent bulbs end at the grocery store. In terms of energy efficiency, LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25x longer.
The widespread use of LED bulbs is expected to have a significant positive impact on energy consumption. By 2035, the energy savings from LED lighting could equal the yearly energy output of more than 92 1,000 MW power plants.
Run Full Loads
You could run the washing machine or the dishwasher for a fuller load when you want to save energy in your home. Save even more energy with your washing machine by washing all clothes in cold water.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart technology exists to make our lives easier, but it can also promote energy efficiency. This is especially true when it comes to a smart thermostat. This piece of innovative tech programs itself based on your habits. It also adjusts the temperature when you’re away or asleep. Best of all, the Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat lets you control heating and cooling through a smartphone app.
If you’re thinking about buying a new smart thermostat, purchase one with an ENERGY STAR label. You can then be sure that it has been independently certified to deliver energy savings.
Install Reflective Window Film or Thermal Curtains
Summer temperatures really get hot in some areas across the country; it seems as if air conditioning units struggle the most during summer. Avoid overworking your AC with proper reflective window film installation, which reduces direct sunlight heat gain. Thermal curtains can also be installed to help retain the heat during the winter.
All of these are quite simple but quite awe-inspiring; you can do all of that for the green goodness of energy savings or the cash-saving effects, which, of course, will be fun to watch. You might also enjoy how much more comfortable your house is throughout those very cold and hot months.
