Are you concerned about the energy efficiency of your home? Do you have reason to believe a lack of energy efficiency is costing you money, month after month? Are you finally ready to take action? Even if your home is relatively energy efficient, there may still be things you can do to improve. Here are some of the best places to start:
Replace Your Old Windows
Even if you enjoy the overall appearance of your old windows – such as if you own an older home – you must consider the impact from an energy efficiency point of view. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing old windows with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model generates average savings of 7 to 15 percent annually on household energy bills.[i] Depending on the size of your home and other changes you make, this has the potential to save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year.
Note: the same holds true with replacing old, inefficient entry doors.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Even if you don’t opt for one of the more technologically advanced smart thermostats, you can still upgrade to a digital model that allows you to program it to suit your requirements.[ii] With this, your thermostat does the work of automatically adjusting your heating and cooling preferences throughout the day. For example, if you’re not home for 10 hours during the workday, you can adjust your thermostat so the furnace or air conditioner isn’t on nearly as much. The same holds true during the nighttime hours, such as if you like it to be cold when you sleep during the winter months.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
Is your old water heater leaving you cold every time you step in the shower? Are you noticing other signs of age, such as long run times and tiny leaks around the base of the unit? Tankless water heaters are designed to be energy efficient, as they don’t produce standby energy. In addition to money savings, other benefits of a tankless water heater include:
- They take up less space, as there is no storage tank
- Access to an endless supply of hot water (which is necessary for a big family)
- Longer life expectancy, which saves you money over the long run
Even if you have a newer water heater, you may want to consider the benefits of swapping it out for a tankless model. Other ways to boost the energy efficiency of your home include:
- Change out old light bulbs for LED bulbs
- Wash your clothes in cold water
- Take advantage of natural light during the summer months
- Replace your HVAC system air filter every 90 days
- Use ceiling fans and open your windows to cool your home
Contact us if you’re unsure of how to best improve the energy efficiency of your home. From installing a programmable thermostat to discussing the advantages of a tankless water heater, we’re here to help.
Sources:
[i] https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/manuf_res/downloads/PartnerResourceGuide-LowRes.pdf
[ii] https://www.nachi.org/increasing-home-energy-efficiency-client.htm
Categories:
Energy Efficiency
