Improve Your Home Energy Efficiency

Now that we’re all spending so much time at home - and will most likely be spending a good deal of time at home for the next few months, it’s kind of the perfect time to start thinking of ways to reduce home expenses.

Creating an energy-efficient home doesn’t need to be difficult, but it can be daunting to start if you’re not sure where to begin. Thankfully, you don’t have to pull out the big guns, like installing solar panels on your roof for example, to make a difference in your overall costs. Instead, see below for tons of small, practical ways to create a more energy-efficient home.

Seal Your Windows

One of the banes of energy savings is having a drafty home. Windows absolutely need to be sealed if you don’t want to lose heat during the colder months cold air during the summer. While this might seem small, it can actually lead to huge energy savings.

Consider replacing your windows and doors

After sealing your windows, the next most efficient step could potentially be to replace your windows and doors. While slightly more drastic, if your home has single pane windows or an older door, that could add up to a lot of surface area that isn’t really insulated that well. Bonus - another advantage of replacing your doors and windows to let in more light and brighten up your rooms (which, in turn, will allow more heat in from the sun).

Get used to lowering your thermostat

Did you know that even a couple of degrees could save you up to 15% per year on heating bills? Smarter usage of your thermostat, especially if there’s no one in the house, will provide you with huge energy savings. Making sure vents and doors are closed in rooms you aren’t using can also make a massive difference.

Consider insulation where appropriate

Lastly (at least, in terms of home temperature) you should also consider having insulation installed in appropriate areas like inside walls or your attic. This will greatly help to moderate temperatures in your home and depending on the space, isn’t quite as expensive as you might think it is (plus, we think it’s a worthwhile long-term investment regardless).

Start composting

If you have a garden then composting is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient. Compost piles don’t need to be huge and it’s a great way to make use of fruit and vegetable waste.

Be mindful about your water usage

Whether it’s installing low-flow showerheads or looking for cost-effective ways to water your plants, there are lots of different ways to ensure you waste less water. Look to your local water service provider for more ideas on how to conserve water.

Swap out existing light bulbs for efficient alternatives

Whether it’s in your living room, bathroom, or kitchen, we make use of lights basically all over the house. However, some of our lighting options are generally more energy-efficient than others. LED bulbs use less power, are often brighter, and will save you money and time since they don’t need to be replaced as often.