Upgrades to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
When upgrading your house, there are easy ways to make it more energy-efficient.
24/09/2019
As a homeowner, you want to make the most of your property. That includes making the most out of your utilities as well. Ideally, you'd like to keep the monthly bills down and not waste money on resources that you aren't using. Plus, when you save on your monthly utilities, it is better for the environment.
If you are in the process of upgrading your house, there are easy ways to make it more energy-efficient. Many of these changes are simple enough to do on your own. Read on to learn about some of these useful tips so you can get saving and improving.
Insulation
Insulation is an important element for any home. There are a few different types of material that can be used for insulation. One example is spray polyurethane foam like the kind found on www.allstatesprayfoam.com. This variety is popular for many reasons. It is non-toxic and reduces energy use, thereby making it environmentally friendly. It is also resistant to unwanted growths like mold and mildew, as well as pests.
Other types of insulation materials used in homes include fiberglass and cellulose. Some of these other types can be done DIY style. If you do decide on foam installation, make sure to hire a professional. If you are purchasing an older house that needs to be fixed up, check the condition of the current insulation and consider getting it replaced.
Light Fixtures
One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to replace your light bulbs. You should replace any incandescent bulbs in your home with LED bulbs, halogen bulbs, or compact fluorescent lamps. These types of bulbs also last much longer than incandescent ones.
When you leave a room, and especially when you go out for the day, make sure to turn off all your light fixtures. Unplugging chargers that aren't being used also will save resources.
Water Fixtures
Another way to save is to switch to energy-efficient fixtures for your sinks and showers. Especially for showerheads nowadays, manufacturers offer a variety of options. These types of heads are designed to have a lower flow, which saves you several gallons of water.
When it comes to your sinks, make sure you turn off your water when you aren't using it. For example, many people should be doing this when they brush their teeth.
When you are doing the laundry, it is a good idea to avoid running half loads. Running half loads wastes water and electricity.
Composting
If you have never considered starting a compost pile, you'll be surprised at the many benefits it offers. For your compost pile, you can add a variety of organic materials like vegetable and fruit scraps. One benefit is that it will cut down on the amount of trash you produce every week.
The compost pile will create a natural fertilizer. You can easily use this fertilizer on your lawn or garden while feeling good about it.
Appliances
Have you ever calculated the energy consumption of the appliances in your home? It may shock you. Fortunately, energy-efficient models exist for any type of appliance you could have.
Energy Star makes a large number of these types of appliances. They include things like dishwashers, televisions, refrigerators, and more. They are designed to save resources and meet requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Although they might seem expensive at first glance, they will save you money in the long term.
The Bottom Line
These are only a few ways that you can update your home to make it better for the environment and your bank account. More environmentally friendly technologies are being developed every year. Don't forget to stay up-to-date on the latest green trends for your home!