How to Keep Your Home Energy-Efficient in the New Year
As the new year begins, making your home more energy-efficient is a great way to help the environment and can help potentially lower energy bills. Small changes can lead to significant energy savings, contributing to a cleaner and more cost-effective home in the coming year.
Start by conducting an energy audit to identify areas for improvement.
Energy.gov has a do-it-yourself home energy assessment. It will not be as thorough as a professional home energy assessment, but it can help you pinpoint some more accessible areas to address; a great place to begin!
Seal any gaps in doors and windows.
Inspect your doors, windows, and other openings for drafts or gaps. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or draft stoppers to seal these areas, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
As a homeowner, energy-efficient appliances can help you save money and energy. These appliances include LED light bulbs, refrigerators, smart thermostats, and washers and dryers. While the upfront cost of energy-efficient appliances may be higher than non-efficient appliances, the cost savings are well worth it. Significantly, Energy Star® appliances save you 10 – 50% more energy depending on the model and can be even more if replacing an old machine.
Consider upgrading to LED bulbs.
LED technology is advancing rapidly. Today’s LED bulbs use about 80% less energy than traditional ones. Place LED light bulbs in the five light fixtures you use the most, and you will start to see a monthly drop in your energy usage. This is one of the easiest energy efficiency tips to follow since it simply involves changing the light bulbs in your home.
Install a programmable thermostat.
Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to control your heating system more efficiently. Set it to lower the temperature when you’re not at home or sleeping, and raise it when you’re awake and active.
Use natural light.
During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in natural sunlight. Sunlight can naturally warm your home, reducing the need for heating. Close them at night to trap the heat inside.
