Each year, the average household in America spends $2,200 on their energy bills, with heating and cooling costs accounting for as much as 50% of the total bill. Implementing these home improvement solutions can help you cut costs and create an energy efficient home.
1. Sealing And Insulation.
Proper sealing and insulation can save you as much as 20% on the cost of cooling and heating your home, and as much as 10% on your home’s total annual energy costs. According to the Department of Energy, the best way to get started is to determine where the insulation should be installed. Then decide what type of insulation is right for you. Fiberglass, foam, and foils are some of the materials you can choose from. Depending on the material, 12 to 15 inches of insulation is suggested for the majority of attics. Don’t ignore your windows, because installing windows that are ENERGY STAR qualified can lower your energy costs by 7% to 24%.
2. Heating And Cooling Systems.
Check out the level of refrigerant in your cooling system to be sure it’s where it should be. If it’s not, that can reduce the overall efficiency of your system by 5% to 20%. If your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is 10 to 15 years old, then updating it to a more energy efficient system is advised in order to reduce energy waste. Last but not least: If you’ve decided to install a new system, ensure that it’s properly installed. Incorrect installation of a heating and cooling system could lower its overall efficiency by 30%.
3. Eco-Friendly Energy.
As we become more and more conscious of the need to conserve resources, using eco-friendly home technology is well worth considering. According to Money Crasher, there are many options for lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint in the process. Solar panels are an effective way to cut your energy costs
and decrease pollution as well. Wind generators for home use are another way to save energy. Rainwater collection devices can help you conserve water to use for watering plants and other non-drinking purposes.
If the high cost of energy is getting you down, look into these home improvement solutions. You’ll save money, enjoy the benefits of having an energy-efficient home, and you’ll be helping to save the environment as well.
