As summer approaches, homeowners are preparing to beat the heat with some simple but effective home improvement ideas. Drafts? Say goodbye them! While there are numerous methods of improving energy efficiency, the following ideas are easy to implement and don’t require a fortune.
Curtains are an inexpensive way to keep your home cooler. Choose light colors and curtain length that covers the entire window and prevents sunlight and breezes from entering. Also, window films monitor the amount of UV radiation, block more heat than conventional glass and keep your home cool without blocking your view. Another option is to install awnings over windows that receive the most sunlight.
Drafty attic or crawlspace? That’s because they’re usually the least insulated parts of a home. Insulation is the most effective way to conserve energy costs and maintain a comfortable temperature. Install insulation in the attic and seal all openings to prevent air from escaping or entering. This also prevents condensation that can cause mold and hinder air quality.
Doors are the most efficient portals for heat exchange. Install weather stripping around doors – along with the frames and thresholds – to prevent draughts from entering and ensure airtight seals. Applying a coat of paint, or even staining it, also gives wood doors a chic look.
Lighting can do more than just illuminate rooms, it can be used to increase the efficiency of a home. Replace regular light bulbs with LED lights that use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Using natural lighting whenever possible is another great way to save energy. Clean windows and trim the trees and plants near them to allow more natural light into the rooms.
And don’t ignore their fragility – the fragile parts like windows and walls can be strengthened with caulking and weatherproofing. This is also a great way to keep the air out and prevent heating and cooling from seeping out, thus, conserve energy.
The appliances in your home are also significant contributors to energy consumption, but you can make sure they’re working efficiently. Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly and make sure that hot water pipes are properly insulated. It’s also advisable to handle heavy chores during cooler periods of the day and try to minimize their use.
Are window blinds part of your décor? Not only do they look great, but they also serve as sun-screening devices in summer, saving energy costs by blocking incoming sunlight. In winter you can prop them in the opposite direction and expose your windows to some tentative sunrays to keep your rooms warm.
When is the last time you had your heating and cooling appliances inspected? If it’s been more than a year, now is the time to schedule maintenance. Regularly servicing these systems ensures they are working properly, saving you energy and avoiding expensive repair costs.
Considering energy-efficient upgrades? Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label. From ceiling fans to refrigerators, these options are certified to help you save energy.
Ready to be your own kind of green? Get outside and move the drier’s vent pipe to a shady area. This will reduce heat gain in the dryer’s exhaust, which helps save electricity.
Lighting fixtures are not only stylish but could also save you energy. Choose from a vast range of options like LED and fluorescent lighting that come with dimmer settings that provide just the right level of light for the hour of need.
Think you’re done? Why stop there! Take a few minutes each day and turn off lights, electronic devices, and appliances when not in use. Just unplugging items that are not being used can have a significantly positive effect on energy efficiency.
Is your bathroom in need of some updating? Swap conventional showerheads for low-flow models. This is not only an eco-friendly way to cut back on hot water usage but also a great way to save water every time you shower.
Do you prefer air dryers over paper towels? They’re a great way to improve the efficiency of your restroom and save energy since they don’t require electrical power.
Do you craft energy efficiency projects with a fondness for DIY projects? Save on energy costs by replacing doorsill with a recessed one to reduce draughts. Repairing seals also keeps air from entering through the cracks.
Ready to utilize the sun’s energy? Replace regular windows with insulated solar ones. Beside their capacity to reflect heat in summer and to provide heat in winter, these windows can save you considerable costs and enhance your home’s sustainability.
Now that you’ve improved your home’s energy efficiency, the next step should be awareness. Turn off, unplug, disable standby functions; use low-energy settings for appliances; switch lights off – these efforts combined will make a huge difference.
And don’t forget to share the awareness. Inform your family and friends about the importance of energy management and its remarkable impact on the environment and people’s lives.
Now is a great time to invest in renewable energy. Solar power is a clean and renewable resource that can help you reduce energy costs, save money, and protect the environment. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your home and generate electricity for years.
You don’t have to own a Tesla electric vehicle to save energy. An alternative is to drive an aggressive hybrid vehicle instead. These cars use less fuel and produce air pollution that’s less harmful the regular gasoline cars.
If you’re still unaware of simple, common sense accomplices that can help you reduce the energy impact at home, then get informed about tax incentives from the government. There are federal schemes and plans that can provide homeowners with the financial support to complete energy-efficient projects.
Still in the dark? Don’t waste time. Buy energy-saving devices like advanced thermostats, LED flashlights, programmable switches, and motion-sensitive floodlights that use less energy and prolong usage and purchasing times.
Ready to get even greener? Use natural alternatives to clean your home with homemade products like baking soda, vinegar, and diluted lemon juice. These cost almost nothing while reducing your energy costs and helping preserve the environment.
Why waste money on heating and cooling when you can use natural ventilation? Utilizing fans, open windows, and ventilation systems can make a difference in the amount of energy used on HVAC.
Make sure that your roof and siding are properly insulated. Increasing insulation can reduce energy costs, so check for cracks and broken seals and don’t forget to check the insulation in the attic. Sealing these openings will help prevent air from leaving your home.
Is your garden groovy? Utilizing the power of plants can have enormous benefits in reducing energy costs. Plant shade trees that help absorb the sun’s rays and reduce the amount of heating and cooling used. Plus, some of these trees may also produce food and/or fuel.
We all know that water is precious; it goes beyond being vital for survival. Install water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets to reduce water usage without compromising comfort. Why pay for something you can reduce by making a few small changes.
Don’t forget about heating. Regularly servicing your heating system ensures that it’s working properly, while regularly cleaning carpets and furniture not only improves air quality, but they also help reduce your energy consumption.
Do you still feel hot and sweaty in summer? Use roof materials such as paint or shingles that can reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them and make your home cooler. Make sure to use the best supplies that suit your budget and energy needs.
Clogged air vents should also be cleaned. This will help your AC to operate more efficiently and improve air quality. And while you’re at it, keep window frames, seals and thresholds sealed to prevent air from entering or leaving the house.
Ready to take energy efficiency to a new level? Utilize the speed of wind to generate your own energy. Small wind turbines can be bought for home use and applied in urban sites and rural areas. They can be an excellent way to produce electricity.