If you can save yourself money and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment, then why wouldn’t you? Some people think it is because it costs a lot to switch to energy-efficient solutions. This is largely a myth. Another reason is that they are not sure where to get started. There are lots of energy-efficient upgrades available, so which ones provide the biggest bang for your buck? Well, to answer that, here are ten steps to get you started.
1. LED Lighting
If you have bought a new car in the last few years, it probably came with LED headlights. This is because they require much less fuel to run than halogen bulbs. The same applies at home, where we are accustomed to using incandescent bulbs which end up using a lot of energy to produce excess heat rather than light. LED lights use up to 75% less energy in comparison.
However, your energy bill is not the only place where LED bulbs will save you money. Because they can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent ones, you do not need to replace them as frequently. And for the people who associate energy-saving lightbulbs with stark white lighting, you no longer need to worry about bringing office-style lighting into your home. LEDs now come in a range of colours, both bright and warm.
2. Double Glazing
Doors and windows are some of the main places where heat is transferred into or out of your home. Heat always moves towards colder environments, so if it is cold outside then the heat inside your home will try to escape, and if it is hot then the heat will try to enter. If our windows and doors are poorly insulated, we often try to compensate by switching on the heating or air conditioning, using unnecessary energy.
It is much better to upgrade to double glazing if you can. By trapping air between the two glass panes, heat is prevented from transferring. This type of glazing is not only available for windows, either. Double glazed sliding doors are now found in many homes. They not only help make your home more energy efficient but also combat noise pollution by making it harder for sounds to travel inside.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks
If you are not able to upgrade to double glazing just yet and are wondering if there is any way to make your windows and doors more efficient, there is! Inspect them for any gaps or cracks around the edges. If you find any, fill them in with caulk or sealant. They make it all too easy for hot air to transfer in and out of your home. This is one of the easiest energy-efficient home improvements you can make.
4. Improve Your Insulation
You should already notice a difference once you have taken care of your doors and windows, but if your house is still suffering from being too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, then it might be time to replace the insulation in your walls and roof. If you have not noticed an insulation issue in your home but would like to know if your insulation can be upgraded anyway, you should request a home energy audit.
5. Smart Thermostats
Even the best insulation only slows down the heat transfer process. It does not mean that you never have to switch on the heating or air con, only that you will be less reliant on them. Seeing as you will end up using your thermostat anyway, it makes sense to upgrade to a smart one. These can regulate the temperature in your home much more efficiently than you can, and they do it automatically.
Smart thermostats are also usually linked up to a smartphone app, which means that you never have to worry about leaving the heating on when you go out. If you do, you can easily switch it off again to save energy. You can also set it to come on and warm up the house a little while before you arrive home.
6. Efficient Water Heating
Besides heating and lighting, one of the major ways energy is consumed in the home is heating water. There are a few ways to make this process more efficient. Heating on demand rather than heating up a tank can make a big difference, while insulating your water heater and pipes helps stop heat from escaping.
Conclusion
Being more energy efficient does not need to be expensive or difficult. While there can be upfront costs and disruption, energy-efficient solutions tend to be a lot more durable than traditional options, and the savings will start showing up instantly in your energy bill.
