How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Improving the energy efficiency of your home doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. By making a few simple changes to your habits and completing some DIY projects, you can create a more comfortable home and save money on your energy bills.
1. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water usage. This simple change can cut your water consumption by up to 60%.
2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs. These use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs.
3. Invest in energy-efficient appliances. High-efficiency washing machines use 80% less water and can save you 65% of the energy. Energy Star certified furnaces can cut your fuel bill in half. If you can't afford new appliances or HVAC, make sure to keep your current ones efficient through regular maintenance, cleaning, and filter changes.
4. Seal ductwork to prevent hot air from escaping through cracks and holes. Apply heating-vent tape to all joints.
5. Stop window and door drafts by sealing with caulking or weatherstripping along frames. Update windows and doors if needed.
6. Use ceiling fans to cool bedrooms at night. In the colder months, switch to reverse to mix warm air down into the room.
7. Run large appliances in the evening or on weekends if you have time-of-use rates to save money. Consider using a clothesline instead of a dryer, which uses 6% of a home's energy.
8. Clean large appliances regularly to prevent dust from clogging the motors and using more energy. Vacuum the vent at the back of the refrigerator and clothes dryer exhaust a couple of times a year.
9. Insulate your attic and add more if necessary to reduce thermal transfer of air. Insulation prevents cool air from entering your home and warm air from escaping.
10. Use a smart thermostat to adjust the temperature of your home remotely, so you don't waste energy on empty rooms.
By following these tips, you can make your home more energy efficient and save money on your energy bills.
