8 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

With simple energy-saving measures, you can cut your energy consumption, lower your electricity bills, decrease your carbon footprint, and, most importantly, increase your home value. It all starts with a few adjustments to your day-to-day behaviors, such as switching off appliances and lights when not in use and properly using the green energy and infinite natural energy resources available. Here are the top eight ways to save energy in your home.

Go Solar

Using solar power is the perfect way to save on your electricity bills. While you may not be able to turn your entire home to solar power, you can shift some of your energy uses to this less expensive option.

One of the options is the outdoor solar lights, which can include solar walkway lights, string lights, and twinkle lights. You can also opt for a solar power bank and charger that can recharge its battery through solar panels. Another option is to power your small home appliances using solar energy. This may include your fan, coffee maker, laptop, and backup lights. If you plan to go solar, seek help from the leading solar installers Brisbane to get your solar system up and running.

Replace Light Bulbs

The traditional incandescent light bulbs often utilize a lot of electricity than their energy-efficient counterparts. You may consider replacing them with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), light-emitting diode bulbs (LED), and Halogen incandescent bulbs. These bulbs consume somewhere between 25% to 80% less electricity and are about three to 25 times more durable than traditional bulbs. Even though it might be a bit more expensive to buy energy-efficient bulbs, their more extended service and efficient energy use are cost-effective in the long run.

Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

You can set a programmable thermostat to turn on and off automatically, reducing your heating and cooling costs when you are away or asleep. On average, a programmable thermostat can enable you to save up to $180 per year. It also features indicators that help you tell when it’s time to replace your air filters or if you are experiencing HVAC system problems.

On the other hand, a smart thermostat allows you to operate your heating and cooling systems remotely using your mobile phone, computer, or tablet. Some even adjust to your daily routine or settings based on the weather forecast. With its smart thermostatic radiator valves, you can choose which rooms to heat and those to leave.

Make Maximum Use of Natural Light

Using natural light from the sun during the day can significantly cut energy consumption and make your home eco-friendly. Go for larger windows and position them to allow more natural light to get inside. You can also strategically place mirrors in key corners to naturally reflect light to those rooms receiving minimal to no light while adding a stylish touch to the entire home.

Replace Air Filters

Most HVAC systems use filters that require regular replacement. Thankfully, these systems will display reminders to notify you when it’s time to replace your filters. By replacing your filters, you not only avoid costly air conditioning repairs but also save a lot of money. Clean filters enable your HVAC system to run smoothly and efficiently without straining.

Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

When buying a new appliance, pay closer attention to its initial purchase price as well as the annual operating costs. Although you might spend higher upfront purchase prices on energy-efficient appliances, their operating costs are usually lower compared to the conventional models. Always go for those appliances with the Energy Star certified label, as it is a federal guarantee that the device consumes less energy.

The exact amount of energy you can save depends on the kind of appliances you use in your home. For instance, Energy Star-certified refrigerators may consume about 9% less energy than the standard models.

Insulate Your Home

Insulation helps retain heat within the house during winter and keeps the heat out in the summer months. The ideal heat resistance level, or R-value for your home insulation, largely depends on the climatic conditions of the place you live. The R-value can be lower for those buildings in warmer climates and higher for those in colder regions.

The five main areas to consider installing insulation include the walls, floors, attic, crawlspace, and basement. You can always find more regional insulation recommendations on the U.S. Department of Energy’s webpage.

Weatherize Your Home

By sealing air leaks or weatherizing around your home, you can cut your cooling and heating expenses by a more significant margin. Air leaks often result from openings or cracks in door frames, windows, walls, attic, or vents. Caulking and weather stripping are among the most straightforward air sealing techniques to try out. You can apply caulk on stationary objects, like window frames and walls, to seal air leaks. On the other hand, use weather stripping to seal cracks in moving things like doors and windows.

It’s never too late to start reducing your energy consumption and saving on your energy bills. You can make it a habit to switch off appliances and lights when not in use and always go for energy-efficient appliances, bulbs, electronics, and other fixtures.