4 Ideas for Making your Home Energy Efficient
You may think that it is too much work to make “energy efficient” changes to your home, however it is easier than you might think. Making your home more energy efficient can help improve the environment and save you money. There are a wide variety of methods you can use.
Here are a few to get you started:
Appliances
A third way to improve energy efficiency is the get new appliances. They really don’t make things like they used to. Older models can be less efficient than newer ones. When shopping, look for an Energy Star label.
Also, make sure you are using the appliances more efficiently. Read the manuals and make sure you’re familiar with the proper operation of them. Then, maximize use by (for example) doing full loads of laundry.
Another idea is to turn temperature of your refrigerator to an energy-efficient level, which would be 37 to 40 degrees.
Insulation
One way to improve your energy use is to insulate your home. This may not be a concern if your house was built more recently. A lot of older homes have less insulation than they do today.
There are many kinds of insulation. Before you choose, you should decide where you will install it and the R-value that is recommended. The R-value is used to measure thermal resistance. You can find the R-value with an inspection.
Inspections can be done on your own or by a hired professional. When that is done, get the results in writing and look for a contractor. The installation can be done yourself. If you choose to do so, follow the manufacturer instructions carefully.
Lighting
Another method to make your home more energy efficient is through your lighting. Commercially-available light bulbs are typically found in two categories: LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp).
LED’s, like the kind that can be found at www.alightingstore.com, can last longer than the more traditional kind of bulbs. They are more durable and do not cause heat-build up. Though you may gawk at the price initially, the savings will occur over time.
CFLs lights can give off a less harsh light than incandescent bulbs, which creates nice lighting for your home.
Smaller steps
There are also more minor things you can do. One is to skip pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. This, along with trying to consolidate your loads of laundry will definitely help you conserve water.
Another option is to put door sweeps in all of your entrances to keep heat from escaping. Door sweeps can be found online for relatively cheap.
The above suggestions are only a starting point. As you evaluate your lifestyle and your habits, you will soon find more ways to conserve energy and preserve the environment by making simple changes around your house that will end up saving you money!