Americans have long sought ways to lower their energy bills, but never more so than right now, a time when some 75% of the population are concerned about the rising costs of their electricity and gas bills.
Happily, while there’s more concern than ever, there’s also never been more ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency than there are right now. While you’ll have to invest a little bit of money to bring your home up to speed, it’s a worthy investment. After all, an energy-efficient home can lead to considerable savings, improve your home’s comfort levels, and even nudge the value of your property in the right direction.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Your appliances may still be doing their job effectively, but are they doing it in an energy-efficient way? If your appliances are a decade or older, then the answer is probably no. The energy efficiency of home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers has improved significantly in recent years, which means there’s a high chance that you’re paying over the odds — and damaging the plant — just to take care of tasks that should be using much less energy. When you’re upgrading, focus on appliances that are Energy Star certified, which will give you assurance that they’re as energy-friendly as can be.
Replace Your Windows
Your windows do more than let in natural light and provide a view of the outside world; they also play a major role in helping to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature in your home. Old windows tend to let a lot of hot/cold air pass through them, which means you’ll need to run your HVAC system for longer to remain at an agreeable temperature. It’s particularly important to upgrade any hopper windows in your home since they’re typically installed in areas that have less robust insulation. Installing replacement hopper windows will ensure your windows meet the latest standards of energy efficiency. In doing so, you’ll likely find that your energy bills are lower.
Enhance Insulation
And talking of ensuring that cold/warm air remains on the inside of your home: take a look at enhancing your home’s insulation. Inadequate insulation, as well as any leaky, drafty spots in your home, can wreak havoc on your home’s energy consumption, forcing you to run your HVAC system for longer, leading to much-increased energy bills. This can be difficult to manage on your own, but working with a home insulation company to identify any weak points and make recommendations for improvements can help.
Consider Solar Panels
Finally, consider installing solar panels. Many homeowners shy away from installing solar panels due to the high upfront cost, but it’s probably the most effective long-term strategy for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing — and eventually eliminating — your electricity bills, as well as boosting home value. Most solar panel systems pay for themselves after about 10 – 13 years, at which point you’ll be able to have free electricity for the rest of the system’s lifespan, which should be at least 25 years.
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