Do you want to improve your home and save energy, all while pocketing some extra cash along the way? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your insulation, replace antiquated appliances or install energy efficient lighting, home improvement projects have the potential to drastically reduce your energy usage and expense. Let’s look at seven ways to get started.
Using the natural elements to your advantage is the perfect place to start. Improved windows in the colder months and awnings in the warmer months can help you regulate temperature and reduce the need for heating and cooling. Installing dual-pane windows does an excellent job at trapping heat and can save you up to 40 percent in energy costs. Keeping your windows, doors and vents sealed is a must!
Switching all of your bulbs to LED varieties is another great way to cut costs. While they are more expensive than traditional bulbs, LED bulbs last up to 40,000 hours, saving you nearly $25 a month in energy bill costs. Plus, they don’t produce as much heat or attract flying bugs, so they’re perfect for both inside and outside the home.
Swapping out your water heaters and other appliances and fixtures for energy efficiency models is a great way to reduce water and electricity use. There are many energy efficient models on the market today that can save you up to 20 percent on your monthly bill. You also don’t have to worry about fixing them as often as traditional appliances.
Insulating your home is another effective way to reduce energy consumption. Not only will it keep the interior temperature more comfortable, but it can drastically reduce energy costs. You’ll want to make sure your attic, walls and basement are all properly insulated. Air sealing can help up to 20 percent in energy bill reduction as well.
You can also use the sun’s energy to your advantage with solar panels. Solar power not only saves energy but reduces your dependence on the utility company, making it a great long-term investment. Solar power systems vary in size and cost, so you’ll have to do your research beforehand to determine what works best for you.
Using smart energy meters and monitoring systems are also on the rise. This type of tool can help you track individual appliances, identify which check periods are the most expensive and help you find out where you can save on energy bills. You can even set reminder notifications when energy usage is too high.
Investing in an energy star rated programmable thermostat is a great way to save money when you’re away from the home. You can program the thermostat to shut off and turn back on at certain times throughout the day. A programmable thermostat can save up to 12 percent on energy costs.
When renovating, be sure to look into insulated walls and ceilings too. The addition of insulation will help to reduce the home’s overall energy consumption and keep your family warm when the temperature drops. According to the Department of Energy, it is estimated that special insulation can save you up to 20 percent in energy costs.
It’s also worthwhile to retrofit existing walls with insulation rather than tearing out walls to add new insulation. When you do get to replacing walls consider automated windows to reduce light pollution and shades or UV paints to keep rooms cool during warm months.
Maximizing your home’s energy efficiency is a great way to go about home improvement projects. Look into improvements such as Smart power strips, reflective roofs, and advanced ventilation systems to reduce heating and cooling costs even further. Smart power strips detect when power is low and won’t overwork your devices or appliances. Installing a reflective roof can cut energy bills up to 10 percent by bouncing heat away, rather than it being absorbed. Additionally, modern ventilation systems with fresh air intake and automatic dampers can save up to 30 percent of heating costs.
Go green and get creative with energy saving solutions like solar batteries. Installing solar batteries in place of a generator is a great way to store energy, while also helping reduce the reliance on utility companies. Although solar batteries do cost a bit more, the long-term savings and financial incentives offsets the initial cost.
But why stop there? As an added bonus, improving your home not only reduces energy bills, but also adds value to the home. Installing energy efficient windows, updating appliances or adding insulation are all great projects for beginners looking to improve the value of their home. With a little patience, hard work and strategic planning, your home improvements can quickly pay back the investment in energy savings and resale value.