Saving on energy costs is always great. Electricity bills can be costly, especially for heavy users. Besides the high electricity cost, excessive energy use can harm the environment. With these in mind, it’s best to make your home energy efficient immediately.
Making your home energy efficient isn’t a one-day job. After all, it requires some household updates and lifestyle changes, some of which you need professional help with. You can consult with MAC Trade Services or similar companies to guide you.
Below are a few tips for you to achieve energy efficiency:
Use Solar Energy
Using solar energy is an excellent way to make your home energy efficient. The solar panels absorb the sun’s energy, which is then transformed into usable power. You can expect lower energy bills once you start depending on solar energy more. It’s a cost-effective solution that’s also helpful for the environment.
Installing solar panels can be costly. Nevertheless, it’s an investment since you can save money on electric bills in the long run. After a few years with your solar panels, you’ll save as much as you spent on buying and installing them. Look for a trustworthy company to get the best results.
Automate Home
A smart home may sound expensive since it uses technology. However, just because you’re using more electronics doesn’t mean it costs more. Automating your home allows you to control your home’s energy usage. You can set a timer on your thermostat, turn off your lights, or set when the shades need to roll down.
Setting a timer prevents you from consuming too much energy when you no longer need it. Some devices automatically shut down if you no longer use the appliance. You can also install a motion detector to open the lights and air conditioning (AC) when entering the room. In addition, you can install a smart meter to track your home’s energy consumption.
Maximize Natural Light
You don’t have to turn on lights during the daytime. You can push the curtains to the side and invite all the sunlight inside your home.
If you have an extra budget, you can install a skylight. A skylight or a Addlite flat glass roof light should help to add unobstructed light inside your home. It can go perfectly well in your kitchen or any area where you don’t have any windows.
Switch To Energy-Efficient Windows
Heat loss and gain through windows account for 25%–30% of heating and cooling energy use in households. That’s why you should consider switching to energy-efficient windows.
If you have the budget to replace your windows, you must choose wisely the design and energy use. You should also look into proper installation and warranties.
If you don’t have the funds, there are ways to make your windows energy efficient. You can install tinting film on your windows. You can also add energy-efficient coverings, like blinds or shades. In addition, you should check if there are gaps to prevent heat loss during winters.
Replace Old Appliances
Old appliances are difficult to replace, especially if they’re still reliable. However, they’re not the best when it comes to energy efficiency. An outdated device usually doesn’t have an energy-saving feature.
Most appliances today focus on helping households save energy. Look for those with the Energy Star rating, or check the energy guide, which includes the estimated yearly electricity use. Cost-efficient appliances have lower energy numbers.
If you’re buying big appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine, check if it has an inverter feature. An inverter can help you save costs by providing maximum energy efficiency.
Regularly Clean Air Filters
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit gets dirty over time. The speckles of dust on your air filters may affect how the machine functions. The device works harder when there’s too much debris to let the air through, which means higher electricity costs.
For your HVAC or AC unit to run efficiently, you should clean your air filters regularly, around every two weeks. You can schedule professional maintenance every six months to ensure your systems work well. System maintenance includes a thorough deep cleaning to keep your unit in perfect shape.
Takeaway
Practicing energy efficiency takes getting used to, but it has several benefits. Two of the most important ones are being kind to the environment and saving you money. While some tips require a huge upfront cost, they’ll help reduce energy bills in the future. You’ll appreciate how these investments allow your home to be energy efficient. But still, there are plenty of tips you can follow without spending, like adding window coverings or cleaning air filters. You can also make your home energy efficient by being more mindful of your actions.
