6 Ways to Create An Energy Efficient Home
Energy efficient homes are becoming increasingly popular. Living more energy efficiently means being more environmentally-friendly, while also saving more money each month on energy bills! Who doesn’t want that? Whether you already have a house, or you’re building or buying one now, here are 6 simple ways you can create an energy efficient home!
Water
A great way to begin being more energy efficient in your home is by starting small with changes that you can make today. Changing the way you use water in your home can make a big impact. Start by turning off water valves in areas where you aren’t using it often, such as outdoor hoses. When you do a load of laundry or take a shower, try using cold water instead of hot water as much as possible. When showering, you can also use low-flow shower heads. Think of how much water you waste in the shower. With a low-flow shower head, you could save tons of unnecessary water usage.
Lights
Lighting in your home is another area where you can begin saving energy by making small, easy changes. The first change you can make is turning off lights as much as possible and using natural light throughout your home during the day. Open blinds and curtains on windows that do not receive direct sunlight during the day.
At night, of course, we need lights. To save energy even when using your lights, change your light bulbs to LED bulbs. Changing light bulbs throughout your home can save you a ton of money and energy usage. You also want to always be sure to turn off lights (and ceiling fans) when a room is not occupied.
Windows
If you’re looking to make a little more of an upgrade, replacing single pane windows with double-pane windows can help you save energy and keep your home more comfortable. Energy-star certified windows are the best option to choose when replacing windows in your home. If you’re not interested in replacing your windows, you should at least ensure there are no cracks or gaps around the windows you have now. Any open spaces will let conditioned air out of your home and replace it with uncomfortable outdoor air. This will make you less comfortable inside your home and waste tons of energy.
Washer/Dryer
Washing and drying clothes is a necessity, and most of us don’t have the time to devote to taking our clothes to the local laundromat. If you do, that’s a great way to save energy at home. However, if you don’t, there are other ways you can save in this area as well. Some small changes include washing clothes in cold water, doing less loads by washing more clothes at one time, and hanging your clothes to dry. If you’re looking to make a bigger change, there are also energy-star certified washers and dryers that make a noticeable difference in your energy usage.
HVAC
Over half of your home’s energy usage goes to heating your home in the winter and cooling in the summer. The good news is there’s a way you can save BIG on this portion of your energy usage: upgrade to a high-efficiency variable speed HVAC system! Variable speed technology means your system will run at speeds between 0-100% to condition your home more consistently, lower your energy bills, and be more environmentally-friendly. With one of these HVAC systems, you’ll experience a much more efficient home, and you could even reduce your energy bills by up to 60% depending on the system you have now!
Learn more about why you should switch to high-efficiency by reading our blog “Why You Should Make The Upgrade to A Higher SEER HVAC System.”
Smart Technology
Another great way to be more energy efficient in your home is by incorporating smart technology throughout. Smart technology can help you save water, electricity, and money without you having to do hardly anything. The best solution for getting smart technology that will improve your energy efficiency is a smart thermostat. Smart and programmable thermostats help you save money even when you’re away from home by allowing you to schedule the comfort of your home based on your lifestyle. Learn more about these smart systems on our website.
Contact Us
If you’re looking to create an energy efficient home, these tips are the best way to start! For any of your HVAC needs, give us a call at 256-841-6003 or visit our website at https://stricklinmechanical.com/. You can also email us at [email protected].
We are your trusted American Standard Dealer in Cullman, AL. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!