Want to make some green upgrades to your home? Wondering what energy improvements you should make in 2019?
When looking for ways to upgrade your home, one of the best things you can do is to make it more energy efficient. An energy efficient home can save you money while also reducing your environmental impact.
But how do you make your home more energy efficient? Below we’ll look at the top 8 home energy improvements you need to consider for next year.
1. Improve the Water System
If you want to make your home more energy efficient, one of the best things you can do is to make changes to the water system in your home.
Low flow fixtures can be a big help when doing this. Low flow fixtures can help you use less water and be more efficient when using water in your home. Whether you’re installing showerheads, toilets, or faucets, there are many options available. They’re also very easy to install.
These low flow fixtures can be highly effective and some use as much as 75% less water than normal fixtures. Keep in mind that low flow fixtures may use less water but you likely won’t be able to tell the difference at all.
2. Get Rid Of High-Energy Appliances
Replacing kitchen equipment and appliances with low energy alternatives can also be a great way to improve your home.
Most kitchen appliances have low energy alternatives that can save you money over time. Consider replacing some of your larger appliances. Installing an energy efficient refrigerator, stove, a washing machine, or a dryer can make a big difference in your energy usage. However, smaller energy efficient appliances can be a big help as well.
By changing these appliances you’ll probably save a lot of energy in your home while also significantly reducing your power bill.
3. Change Your Windows and Doors
Improving your windows and doors can also make a big impact on your energy consumption throughout the year. While replacing windows and doors can be costly, doing so will likely be well worth it for lowering your energy usage.
Newer and more advanced windows can do a better job of regulating the internal temperature of your home. By getting a replacement window company to install some new windows you’ll have a much easier time heating your home in the winter and cooling your home in the summer.
Alternatively, you may simply choose to better insulate your current windows with caulking or weather stripping techniques.
4. Add More Attic Insulation
The attic is another area of your home that could probably use some improvements when it comes to insulation. Hot air rises and because of this, an attic that is not well insulated can lead to significant loss of heat in your home.
Depending on your house, more attic insulation may be a welcome addition and can improve your energy efficiency in a big way. While newer homes likely come with plenty of insulation in the attic already, older homes may especially be in need of some better insulation in the attic.
5. Start Using Ceiling Fans
Another great thing you can do to improve energy usage in your home is to install some ceiling fans. In the summer, using ceiling fans instead of air conditioning can save you a lot of energy.
Both in the winter and in the summer, ceiling fans can allow you to more easily circulate air around your home. When you use air conditioning or heat, a ceiling fan will help make sure the air is getting around the house as quickly and efficiently as possible.
6. Buy a Programmable Thermostat
When optimizing the energy efficiency of your home, few things beat installing a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help with both heating and cooling. It can automatically manage the temperature of your home and ensure that it is remaining energy efficient.
A programmable thermostat can automatically keep the temperature steady in your home and help ensure you’re not using any more heat or air conditioning than you need to be comfortable. Some thermostats will even allow you to control the temperature remotely or can be set to change once you’re in bed asleep.
7. Improve Your Home Lighting
Another way you can make your home more energy efficient is to improve the lighting in your house. Lighting is a big part of a typical home’s electricity bill so a few changes can really make a big impact.
Switching your light bulbs to either LED or CFL can be a big help as can installing better light fixtures in your home.
Adding natural lighting to your home can also improve your energy efficiency. A skylight or some larger windows in your home can help you avoid using your electricity too much during the daytime and can make your home more energy efficient as a result.
8. Install Solar Panels
This last option for improving energy efficiency isn’t as simple as some of the others listed here. However, it can have an even bigger impact if done right.
Adding some residential solar panels to your home can do a lot for reducing energy consumption. Solar panels can allow you to power your house in a green and environmentally friendly way and can significantly lower your monthly energy bill.
While the upfront cost and effort to install them can be high, if you’re trying to improve energy efficiency in your home it may be well worth it in the end.
Making These Energy Improvements To Your Home
If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, save money, and reduce your impact on the environment these energy improvements can be a big help. Make sure you consider some of the improvements listed above if you want to take your home, to the next level in 2019.
Looking for more home tips? Check out our home advice blog category now for more helpful articles.