People are always looking for ways to lower their energy bills. Fortunately, there are many home improvements that can help you do just that! Check out these 8 energy-efficient home improvements that will lower your bills and see what you can do for your home today.
1) Change Your Windows and Doors
Your home’s windows and exterior doors are the main entry points for your house. If you have old, worn-out windows or doors that let in a lot of outside noise or have no insulation at all, consider replacing them with energy-efficient versions. Having windows with double panes or thermal film or replacing your old exterior doors with new energy-efficient ones can really help lower your bills by limiting the amount of cold, hot, and outside noise that gets inside. If you’re from Scotland, consider getting double glazing in Aberdeen. This solution has excellent noise-canceling features, is easy to clean, and even has reduced condensation.
2) Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills is by changing out your light bulbs. Replacing old incandescent bulbs with new energy-efficient ones can not only help you save money but also help improve the quality of light in your house. Many modern CFLs and LEDs last up to 20 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, reducing the need for more frequent replacement. Plus, they are more environmentally friendly compared with incandescents since they do not use any toxic mercury. You can find these types of energy-efficient light bulbs in almost any store.
3) Get Central Heating and Air Conditioning
If your house is still using old, outdated systems such as hot water heaters and furnaces that were installed in the 80s or earlier, now is a good time to upgrade. You can save money with newer and more efficient furnaces and central heating units that require less energy to keep you warm in winter and cooler in summer. Since heating and cooling is usually the biggest culprit for high energy bills, it makes sense to get efficient systems that are within your budget.
4) Seal Leaks and Cracks
You can improve your home’s energy efficiency by sealing off air leaks and cracks that form in the walls, windows, doors, ceilings, floors, utility pipes, drains, attics, crawl spaces, dryer vents, and more. This is an effective step to take if you want to find out how to lower your energy bills. Although sealing cracks and leaks can be a hassle for some homeowners, it will save them money in the long run by limiting how much conditioned air gets outside the house. If you don’t know how to do it on your own, consider hiring professional help.
5) Install Solar Panels
Homeowners who get energy from solar panels can save up to $80 a month on their heating and cooling costs while also being more environmentally conscious. Although it can be pricey to have solar panels installed on your roof, you will start seeing savings almost immediately after installation as it usually takes a few months before the payback kicks in. Solar panels work by harnessing sunlight and turning them into electricity that gets stored in batteries for later use or sent directly to appliances via built-in outlets. You should consider installing solar panels only if you live in an area where it is sunny enough for solar panels to work.
6) Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed
A programmable thermostat is another great way to reduce your energy bills. You can easily save money on your heating and cooling costs by programming the system to kick in only when you need it. Your HVAC unit will have different schedules for weekdays, weekends, nights, etc., so this is a good solution to take if you want to find out how much does it cost for central heating and air conditioning. The majority of programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet, allowing you to change the temperature whenever you want.
7) Replace Your Appliances
Although it may be more convenient to use the appliances you already have, if they were manufactured before 1993, now is a good time to replace them with newer, energy-efficient models. These days, there are dozens of energy-efficient appliances that can help lower your monthly bills – from refrigerators and dishwashers to laundry machines and TVs. When shopping for new appliances, you may want to look for the Energy Star label because this means they are guaranteed to be efficient. These labels are usually present on appliances that consume less energy so you know they are good for the environment and your wallet.
8) Turn Off Your Electronics
Did you know that all sorts of appliances can use power even when they’re turned off? If you are looking for ways to save money on your energy bills, be sure to turn off all electronic devices when they’re not in use. For example, TVs, stereos, PC monitors, video game devices, tablets, and smartphones should not be left plugged in. You can also opt to get power strips that have built-in switchable outlets so you can easily turn off everything with just one button.
What are the best ways to lower your heating and cooling costs? It may seem like an easy answer, but there are actually many things you can do. One of the easiest is changing your light bulbs to more energy-efficient ones and turning off electronic devices when they’re not in use. You can also consider installing solar panels on your roof for renewable energy that will save you up to $80 a month in heating and cooling costs while being environmentally conscious. You should also consider replacing any old appliances with newer models or looking into getting a programmable thermostat installed so you can control when it kicks in. Whatever choice you make, remember that there are many energy-efficient home improvements you can do to lower your bills and it doesn’t have to cost a lot either. We hope this article has helped you with some ideas for green home improvements that will save you energy and money.
