Improving Your Home's Energy Efficiency: Why It Matters
In today's world, with environmental consciousness on the rise and utility costs continuing to climb, improving your home's energy efficiency is more important than ever. Not only does energy efficiency help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also saves you money in the long run. According to recent studies by the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 30% on their energy bills by improving their energy efficiency — that’s $400 per year based on the national average! Below we’ll explore some practical ways to enhance your home's energy efficiency and why it's worth the investment.
1. Seal Air Leaks
Although you may not notice it, air leaks around windows, doors, floors, and other openings can account for a significant amount of cooling or heat loss in your home. During warmer days, the outside air can creep into your home causing your A/C to work harder to keep things cooled. Similarly during the winter, your heated air can escape outdoors and go to waste. Properly sealing any air leaks with weather stripping or caulking can improve your home's comfort and reduce your heating and cooling costs. Many homes that make this change see a 5% to 30% decrease in their energy bill per year. This is also one of the more affordable, quick, and less invasive solutions to improving your energy efficiency if you’re unsure about seeing results.
2. Use Smart Thermostats
Thanks to innovative technology, smart thermostats are one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Smart thermostats can help you optimize and regulate your home's heating and cooling schedule, ensuring that you're not wasting energy while you're away from home or asleep. Smart thermostats often also have the ability to provide you with insights on your energy usage, helping you make more informed decisions about reducing energy consumption. Studies show you can save as much as 10% yearly on your energy bill by turning your thermostat usage down 10-15% for 8 hours a day.
3. Improve Insulation
Similar to air leaks, insufficient insulation can lead to heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Adding or upgrading insulation in your attic, walls, and floors can help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and reduce your energy usage. It may not seem like it, but improving the insulation in your home is the most cost-effective way to reduce energy waste. It’s also one of the fastest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency too!
4. Install Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors
Windows and doors are a common source of heat loss and gain in homes. On top of being sources for air leaks around the installation itself, small cracks or other openings within the structure of your windows and doors can also cause air to come into your home or escape. It’s estimated that 20% of air infiltration in homes come from these small openings in windows and doors. By installing energy-efficient windows and storm doors you can help reduce this transfer of heat, keeping your home more comfortable year-round and lowering your energy bills. Pro tip: look for ENERGY STAR products when shopping for new energy efficient installations. These are certified products to help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Old appliances can be energy siphons, consuming more electricity than necessary to get the job done. On average, appliances account for 15% of your home’s energy consumption with refrigerators, washers, and dryers at the top of the list. Consider replacing any older appliances with new energy efficient models, which can significantly lower your energy bills while reducing your home's overall energy consumption. The same can be said about replacing lightbulbs and fixtures with new energy efficient versions. Remember to also look for ENERGY STAR products for best results.
saving money and the environment
Improving your home's energy efficiency doesn’t only save you money but also reduces your impact on the environment. By using less energy, you're reducing the demand for fossil fuels and in turn reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Additionally, energy efficient homes provide a more comfortable living space and have higher resale values, making them a wise investment for the future. It’s a win-win situation all around! Consider implementing some of these energy-saving tips today to start reaping the benefits. You can also check out some of the tools below to help you discover savings.
Resources:
ENERGY STAR’s Home Energy Yardstick
Assess your home’s current energy consumption and discover ways to reduce your consumption
ENERGY STAR Fridge Calculator
Discover how much your old refrigerator or freezer costs to operate and how much you can save by upgrading to energy efficient models