With so many environmental issues becoming hot topics and an ever-increasing need to go green, improving your home’s energy efficiency is now much more than a trend. However, if you’re worried about rising energy costs and looking for tips to regain control, we’ve got you covered. To stay on top of things, you must learn some home improvement tips and follow tips to boost energy efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money in the long-run.

1. Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System

Upgrading to high efficiency air conditioning will save you a lot of money. New ACs are designed to use less energy to cool more, so you’re comfortable and save money, especially in warmer climates. 

New HVAC systems have the latest technology, like improved coils, variable speed compressors, and advanced controls to cool your home while using less energy. You can save up to 20% to 40% compared to older models. However, make sure they are installed correctly, which is why you should consult experts for air conditioning service in Las Vegas, NY, or any other city. Check their experience and get a quote before you decide. When upgrading air conditioning systems, you must remember the following:

  • Look for air conditioning units with a high SEER rating, as they’ll be more efficient.
  • Opt for a 2-stay or variable speed system for improved efficiency and comfort.
  • Work with an expert to determine the best size of AC for your house.
  • Be sure to schedule regular maintenance to keep your unit running at peak efficiency.

2. Pay Attention to Improving Insulation

Inadequate insulation can result in a significant loss of heat during winter. Forget about having an energy-efficient home without paying enough attention to maintaining proper insulation. With insulation, you can be sure that your hose is evenly heated and cooled, ensuring your HVAC systems don’t have to work as hard as they would in case of poor insulation. When focusing on insulation, remember the following:

  • Be sure to begin insulating from your attic, as it leads to better efficiency.
  • Fill gaps using blown-in cellulose or fiberglass for existing falls.
  • Remember to insulate floors over crawl spaces and unheated areas.
  • Reduce radiative gain by using reflective insulation for attics.

3. Install Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats have revolutionized home energy management by offering unmatched control over heating and cooling. Conventional thermostats are less efficient as they keep burning up energy through heating or cooling even when you’re away or asleep.

Smart thermostats help because they learn about your preferences and schedule, and change temperature levels accordingly. It’s even possible to control these thermostats wireless from anywhere. To get the best results, be sure to:

  • Pick a thermostat that’s compatible with your HVAC system.
  • Take advantage of its adaptive learning features to tune it for your lifestyle.
  • Use geofencing features to adjust temperatures when you leave your home.
  • Integrate your smart home devices with a smart thermostat for improved efficiency.

4. Seal Windows and Doors

Air leaks around windows and doors can quickly lower your home’s energy efficiency quotient. Even small gaps can result in substantial energy waste, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain your desired temperatures. Proper sealing is vital, as it cuts draughts, increases comfort, and reduces electricity bills quite significantly. Some of the best ways to handle it include the following:

  • Use weatherstripping around various movable components like windows and doors.
  • Apply caulk to seal gaps and cracks around door and window frames.
  • Fill in door sweeps to exterior doors to seal all drafts.
  • Use cellular shades or window film to insulate the windows.

5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Just like your air conditioning system, it makes a lot of sense to upgrade your other appliances. Swapping old appliances with ENERGY STAR models can save a lot of energy down the road. These appliances are designed to consume 10% to 50% less energy than standard models, depending on the appliance type of course. Here’s what you can do:

  • Replace older energy guzzlers like washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
  • Pay special attention to the ENERGY STAR label when buying new appliances.
  • Compare various models to learn about long-term energy savings.
  • Properly recycle or dispose of old appliances to prevent inefficient reuse.

6. Install Solar Panels

Using solar energy is one of the best ways to get off the grid and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar panels give you clean, renewable energy and reduce or sometimes completely eliminate your reliance on grid electricity. 

Before going ahead, take your time to conduct a solar assessment. You need to determine whether your home is suitable for solar panels and how many panels you’d have to install to eliminate energy bills. Similarly, it makes sense to learn about local incentives and tax credits to offset installation costs. In addition, consider if battery storage systems can be incorporated to maximize the efficiency of solar panels.

7. Implement Proper Ventilation

Just like proper insulation, proper ventilation can have a huge impact on how energy efficient your home will be. Poor ventilation leads to moisture buildup and causes mold growth while deteriorating indoor air quality. This puts a strain on your HVAC system and pushes them to work harder.

Proper ventilation means maintaining indoor air quality and balancing moisture levels, which determine energy efficiency. On the other hand, an effective ventilation system helps offload some of the pressure on your HVAC system by removing excess moisture and heat from your kitchen and bathrooms. To get the best results, remember the following:

  • Install energy-efficient exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen.
  • Pay attention to improving ventilation in your attic.
  • Use programmable timers on bathroom fans for ventilation while conserving energy.
  • Go with a whole-house ventilation system, like an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or a heat recovery ventilator (HRV).

Endnote

Various home improvement hacks are available to boost energy efficiency, but begin with these seven hacks to dramatically enhance energy efficiency in your home while reducing environmental impact and cutting utility costs over time. Remember, even the smallest improvements amount too much over time, especially when you talk about improving the value, comfort, and sustainability of your property.

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