It would certainly seem that these days, the big trend is leaning towards making homes as energy efficient as possible. While this may strike you as a costly, complicated series of tasks, the truth of the matter is that are tons of low-key possibilities you can explore. You can easily make your home more energy efficient in a variety of ways, and you don’t have to give up a lot in the way of resources to accomplish them.
The benefits of making your home more energy efficient are numerous. However, at the end of the day, it comes down to reducing your carbon footprint as much as possible. At the same time, energy efficient measures can help you to save a bundle on your monthly energy costs.
If you’re ready to make some simple-but-profound changes, here is what you’ll need to do:
- Improve the insulation: Improving the insulation to your ceiling, attic space, or even your walls can dramatically change your home. Weather stripping or caulking can accomplish the job nicely. You can prevent your heat or AC from escaping, which can be beneficial on a number of levels.
- Improve your windows: There are several things you can do within this larger idea. You can have the aluminum frames replaced, purchase multiple panes, or have the windows tinted. You can also simply turn the lights off, open the blinds, and take advantage of natural lighting.
- Replacing old appliances: This might strike you as a costly step, but it’s a step that can very quickly pay for itself. If you need to replace your washer, your dryer, your water heater, or your furnace, look for Energy Star-certified options.
- Run the appliances efficiently: This is one possibility that a lot of people don’t consider. However, it’s worth taking this step seriously. Make sure everything is being run across the right operating methods. Minimizing use can go a long way, as well. Do full loads for the dishwasher or washing machine. Use the “energy efficient” setting on your fridge.
- Switch out your lightbulbs: What kind of lightbulbs are you using? Swapping out incandescent for fluorescent can go a long way. While you will need to spend a little money at the beginning, the long-term savings are going to prove to be enormous.
What are some other ways in which you can serve to make the home more energy efficient? Share your ideas in the comments below!
