9 Ways to Make Your House More Energy Efficient

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Maintaining an energy-efficient home is an ideal solution to reduce your heating and electricity bills with the ongoing global energy crisis. By checking the state of your property, you might have already noticed some improvements you can make. Sometimes, the way your property looks can be an indication of how energy-efficient it is.

You can save money and improve the overall look of your home by considering these energy-efficient solutions:

1. Maintain Your HVAC System

When you ensure regular maintenance checks on your HVAC system, it can significantly improve its performance. Maintaining your system will also extend its lifespan. If your HVAC is cleaned thoroughly and checked for any necessary repairs or replacements, you are likely to experience a reduction in your energy bills!

Depending on your system, you can maintain them regularly, monthly, biannually, or yearly. Getting your HVAC system checked is often based on how long you have had your system and how often you use it. If you own an HVAC system that you use a lot, consider getting it checked by a professional more often.

2. Replace Old Appliances

Even though old appliances may last longer, they may not be as efficient as new ones. As new technology develops, manufacturers often produce recent devices with improved energy efficiency in mind.

For example, you might notice an energy rating label on more recent appliances. This indicates how it compares to other machines of the same size. You can also find manufacturer’s labels which explain how much energy your new appliance will consume.

3. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are often the go-to solution for homeowners who want to experience a significant reduction in their energy bills. After all, they allow you to harness the energy from the sun and run your household appliances for free!

However, the initial cost of purchasing and installing solar panels is usually quite high. Some homeowners prefer to partially install some solar panels and gradually shift to a household entirely powered by the sun. As you upgrade your home to a solar-powered one, you may benefit from tax exemptions, depending on your location.

4. Turn Off the Lights in Empty Rooms

One of the simplest ways to reduce energy costs is by following a simple rule: switching off the lights when you are no longer in a particular room. It can be a habit that you need to build over time. But, once it becomes a habit, you can start to notice a reduction in your electricity bill.

If you live with other people in your home, you can leave signs or reminders about switching off the lights when they leave a particular room. It also helps remind any guests visiting your home when they use the bathroom or any other part of your property.

5. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Aside from limiting the use of lights, the kind of bulbs you use is also a major factor in how much electricity your household consumes. For instance, light-emitting diodes, more commonly known as LEDs, are the most common energy-efficient lighting option for many homeowners.

Make sure to check the different features of a light bulb when choosing a new one for your home. Ideally, your new lighting will be made of fluorescent tubes or LEDs. It would be best to consider light bulbs with low wattage, meaning they will consume less electricity when used. Another feature to look out for is how bright the light bulb will be.

6. Repair or Replace Broken Windows and Doors

If you want to maximize the circulation of heat or coolness in your home, you should ensure that every opening is sealed. A broken window or door can impact how much energy your household consumes daily. When there is a crack or small hole, the heat or cold can seep out, and your HVAC system will need to work harder to maintain the temperature you want.

You can limit the energy wasted in maintaining your preferred temperature by repairing or replacing broken windows or doors in your home. This can be an opportunity to redecorate. You can customize your new doors and windows to match your desired interior design.

7. Paint Any Neglected Interior and Exterior Surfaces

Your home will reflect light and heat better when you have lighter-colored walls. So, if you’re searching for a long-term solution to reduce your energy costs, painting any neglected surfaces can help.

White is the most energy-efficient color you can choose, and you can complement it easily with other energy-efficient colors such as light gray and beige. There are also new kinds of paint that reflect and maintain heat much longer, so you can consider these options when picking a fresh coat.

8. Install Insulation Within Your Walls and Floors

To ensure better temperature regulation and reduce the energy your HVAC system needs, you should ensure that your home has insulation within your walls and under your floors. There are many types of insulation you can choose from, such as spray foam insulation and fiberglass insulation.

Each kind of insulation has its advantages and disadvantages. Fiberglass is often easier to install compared to spray foam insulation. On the other hand, spray foam insulation can retain heat a lot better. Consider your budget and insulation needs before deciding which insulation you would like installed in your home. Some insulation may also require more maintenance than others.

9. Use Mirrors to Maximize Natural Lighting

By placing a mirror near a window, you can reflect natural light to other parts of your home. A rectangle full-body mirror is a cost-effective solution to maximizing any available natural light.

You can incorporate it in any room by being mindful of Fengshui principles. For instance, according to Fengshui, you should not place the mirror directly across a front door. You can also consider the overall impact of a mirror on your home’s design and functionality. After all, a mirror can grab the attention of anyone who enters your room. It should also be accessible to those who need to use it.

Save Money with a More Energy-Efficient Home

Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner planning your home renovation, being mindful of your electricity bill is important. You can incorporate the ideas discussed earlier to improve your property’s overall energy efficiency. Choosing any of these tips can save you money significantly in the long run and reduce your overall energy consumption.