Summer has not been kind to the US in many ways. Heatwaves and high energy prices hammered the country. Energy bills have gone up so much that people are struggling to pay them.
Around 20 million American households are reportedly behind on their bill payments. That’s a drastic increase from the 17.6 million from the previous year.
This is one reason why people are looking to make their homes energy-efficient. An energy-efficient home will help conserve energy. This means more savings for the homeowner. It’s also better for the environment since it reduces energy consumption. It would result in less greenhouse gas emissions. There would also be a lower demand for non-renewable power resources.
The good news is saving energy is something that everyone can do. Here’s how to improve energy efficiency in home.
Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Poor insulation can be a reason behind your high energy bill. Around one-third of a home’s heating is then lost through the ceiling and walls. You can prevent this with insulation. This is a material that acts as a barrier to prevent heat loss or heat gain.
Homes usually have insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floors. If your home doesn’t have good insulation, it could let out a lot of heat during winter. It can also cause cold air to dissipate during summer. This would force your HVAC system to work harder and your energy bills to go up. You can prevent this by upgrading your home’s insulation. You can install new ones or add weather stripping around your home. Adding caulk around windows and doors is another way to insulate your home.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
It’s also a good idea to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. These machines consume less electricity than conventional models. This means lower energy bills. They also produce less harmful gases.
Many of today’s refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are energy efficient. Look for the Energy Star logo when shopping for new appliances. You’re assured that what you’re buying uses less energy. These appliances do cost more than the standard machines. But you’ll save more money in the long run.
Invest in Solar Panels
You should also consider investing in solar panels. These panels generate electricity, which results in lower energy bills. You can install them on the roof or the side of the house that gets a lot of sunlight. You’ll need to shell out some serious money but they are cost-effective. Experts are also expecting solar panels to become more common. Especially now that society is beginning to embrace the green movement.
Choose the Right Lighting
The right lighting can make you look good. It can also save you a lot of money. It’s why you should switch your old lightbulbs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) ones. LED lights have a longer life span. They last 35 to 50 times longer than incandescent lights and 2 to 5 times longer than fluorescents. They also use less energy than fluorescent bulbs.
LED lights do cost more than fluorescent lights. But the savings you’ll get out of it makes it a better deal all around.
Think About Your Landscaping
You can hit two birds with one stone with the right landscaping. Planting a tree or two can enhance your property’s curb appeal. It can also help maintain your home’s temperature at comfortable levels. Trees or shrubs near windows can reduce the sun’s intense rays during summer. It can also protect your home against chilly winds during the cold season.
Switch It Off
Many appliances and gadgets keep using power even when they’re not in use. Chargers use a lot of energy when they’re not charging a device. Switching them all off until you need them will lower your home’s energy consumption. It will also make your utility bills more manageable.
Helping Homeowners Reduce Their Energy Bills
Good insulation can do wonders for your home and your wallet. That’s something A Affordable Insulators can help you with. We’re one of the top full-service insulation companies in Houston. Our products and services have helped homeowners for years. We specialize in residential and commercial insulation work. We do fiberglass and loose-fill attic insulation. We also do attic insulation removal. We can also install solar vents, air hawks, and ridge vents. We’re Green Guard Certified so you know our products are safe. Call us at 832-243-7484 to request a free estimate. You can also reach us here.
