Home ownership can be a big investment especially when your electric and water bills are through the proverbial roof. Whether you are looking to spend a lot of money or just roll up your sleeves, here are the top 10 ways to make your home more energy efficient.
The Top 10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Turn off the lights
This may seem like a given but one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient is to be a good steward of the energy you have. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Keep the entryway doors closed in order to keep the temperature of the home stable. Make sure you turn off water faucets completely when not in use. That includes while brushing your teeth! Get in the shower shortly after turning it on instead of forgetting about it and wasting exorbitant amounts of water. Reduce Heat or A/C settings when you’ll be away from the house for the day.
Routine Maintenance
Set a monthly alarm on your phone to remind you to change those furnace or A/C filters. Slow air flow will prevent the unit from working as effectively as possible. The simple act of removing lint from your dryer after each use improves its efficiency. The same is true for keeping your dishwasher clean and well maintained. Routine maintenance on your appliances can not only extend their life span but also save you money.
Low Flow Fixtures
Invest in a low flow shower head and save upwards of $200 per year. With a low flow fixture, you can still have the same water pressure you are accustomed to without the excess water waste of a regular shower head. Invest in water efficient toilets as well; older models use excessive amounts of water!
Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans is a relatively small investment that brings about significant savings. Fans can be used to circulate air and therefore lower the setting on the A/C unit. They can maintain the temperature of the room while saving you money. The same is true for winter months. Simply reverse the direction of the fan and run on the lowest setting. The fan will keep the heat consistent allowing you to lower your heat setting. Energy saved!
Insulation and Air Sealing
Saving energy could be as simple as making sure your home is properly insulated. Hire a professional to insulate your attic and empty spaces. In addition, consider wrapping your pipes and water heater. If your water heater is in your garage, a water heater blanket could significantly lower the energy required to heat water. Check out this youtube video for more tips on how to weatherize your home.
High Efficiency Appliances and Smart Electronics
Those obnoxious yellow Energy Guide Labels on store appliances really do mean something. Purchase appliances that are less expensive to run. To determine this, simply compare the energy and cost of the appliance to the averages posted on the label. You can save energy by replacing traditional light bulbs with energy efficient ones. Look for dishwashers that use less water per load. Invest in a smart thermostat that allows you to adjust settings based on your schedule. If you are at work Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, there’s no need for your home to be toasty or nicely chilled when no one is home!
Replace Windows
Energy efficient windows better insulate a home which allows for lower HVAC costs. Ever noticed the condensation on your windows? Better windows will remove that and improve the overall feel of your home.
Invest in Outdoor Solar Lighting
Instead of traditional outdoor lighting, invest in solar lights. They get their energy from the sun which means you aren’t using electricity to run them.
Get a New Roof
Granted, a new roof is a major investment but a cool roof can help reduce the heat entering your home by as much as 50 degrees! That means you’re running the A/C less. The investment may be hefty up front but the long-term savings are well worth it.
Embrace the Elements
Sometimes the best way to conserve energy is to not use it. Instead of turning on the lights, open the curtains and resource natural light. On cooler days, open the windows and enjoy the breeze instead of running the A/C.
We hope these tips will be helpful in making your home more energy efficient as well as raise the value of your home. If you decide you’re ready to sell your home, contact Ben. Ben Buys Indy Houses is an accredited home buyer who will buy any house in AS-IS condition.
