7 Strategies to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
By Beth Rush
Building an energy-efficient home is a smart decision for today’s climate. It saves money on bills, benefits the environment, and helps create a more comfortable living space for you and your family. Learn how to increase energy efficiency in your home in seven ways.
Ask for an Energy Audit
Determine your home’s current energy efficiency before committing to home improvement projects. An energy audit allows you to examine your property’s average energy use. You can use online tools or hire an energy auditor to provide tailored recommendations to help cut your energy bills. This service is commonly offered for free — inquire at your state or local government energy office.
Let the Sunshine In
Did you know your home’s heating and cooling units account for 40% of your energy bills? Many people turn their air conditioners on when it’s too hot and the heater when it’s cold. Maximizing the sun’s light and warm temperature can help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
If you live in a warm climate and are looking to save on cooling costs, lighter colors like light gray, beige and white are known to reflect sunlight and heat away from your walls or building. White-colored walls can incite a feeling of peace or coldness, depending on how you balance it with other elements, like plants or artwork.
Invest in linen curtains if it’s hot outside, but you want the light to pass through. You may also consider adding large windows, particularly the floor-to-ceiling types, to let sunlight illuminate a dark space.
Install Smart Appliances
Smart devices provide a convenient way to get things done around the house. They allow you to perform everyday tasks through voice commands or smartphones. Explore smart additions that can improve your home’s energy efficiency:
> Smart LED: Smart bulbs allow you to turn on and off your lights wherever you are.
> Smart thermostat: This can reduce your energy by 15%-20% and allow you to adjust the temperature automatically when you’re sleeping or outside the house.
> Smart outlets: These affordable devices allow you to turn on and off any device through your smartphone. You can also set schedules for your appliances. For instance, you can turn on your air conditioner while on your way home from work.
Add a Layer of Insulation
Insulating your home is a cost-effective way to regulate its energy consumption. It keeps warm air from entering during hot seasons and prevents heat from escaping during winter. You can implement various insulation techniques, from installing radiant barriers to foam boards.
Replace Old Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are essential to maintaining an energy-efficient home. In fact, heat gain and loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of heating and energy use inside an average household. Replacing older installations with more efficient options can significantly help increase energy efficiency in your home.
Upgrading your doors and windows with more insulated variants can help cut energy costs, increase your home value, and improve your curb appeal. When selecting windows for your renovation project, choose those that work best in your climate.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Looking around your home, you’ll see many electronics left plugged in all day. Even if they are turned off, they continue to draw electricity. The only way to truly power down devices is to unplug them. Often called phantom energy, it’s estimated that 75% of the energy used to power electronics at an average home is consumed when switched off.
Here are some ways to combat this:
> Unplug stereos, computers, video game consoles, and kitchen appliances after use.
> Use power strips so you can conveniently disconnect multiple devices at once.
> If possible, adjust your appliance’s power settings. For instance, enable sleep modes or power-saving settings on computers.
> Consider upgrading to more energy-efficient electronics to reduce energy consumption over time.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into power for your home’s appliances. While the upfront costs can be high, these investments will save you money in the long run. It’s essential during the summer when people usually use air conditioners at full blast.
Aside from its energy-saving benefits, solar power is clean energy. Instead of paying for fossil fuels that traditionally produce electricity, you can harness the sun’s power year-round so long as you have fully operational panels.
The Benefits of Building an Energy-Efficient Home
These home improvements may entail significant upfront investment, but the long-term effects will be worth it. Here are some reasons why an energy-efficient home is good for you, your wallet, and the planet.
Save Money on Energy Bills
Upgrading your home’s features for minimal energy consumption means more savings. You can use the money you save for more valuable things, such as travel or a car you’ve been eyeing for years.
Improved Home Value
Investing in energy-saving home features can help meet consumers’ sustainability expectations. If you plan to sell your home, your renovation projects today will help boost your property’s value. The key features of an energy-efficient home include greater insulation, solar protection and hygienic ventilation.
Boost Comfort
Imagine a cooler home in the summer and a warmer indoor atmosphere in the winter. Implementing energy-saving projects — such as installing proper insulation — can significantly boost your and your family’s comfort at home. This means you can embrace more relaxing moments inside your home.
Try These Strategies Today
Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important due to rising energy costs and climate change. Upgrading your home’s efficiency using the mentioned strategies can boost its value, reduce energy bills, and shrink your carbon footprint. Now that you know how to increase energy efficiency in your home, it’s easier to choose which improvements to prioritize.
About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!