Saving Money by Reducing Energy Consumption
Electricity, heating, and cooling bills are some of the biggest expenses that homeowners have over the course of the year. As a result, homeowners will work to make their homes more energy-efficient to lower their energy spending. What are some of the best ways to improve energy efficiency around your house?
Upgrade Your Windows to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Energy-efficient windows are designed to keep the warm air inside in the winter and cool air inside during the summer. Older windows that are drafty can be improved with proper weatherstripping and sealing, but nothing will be more efficient than new energy-efficient windows that are properly installed.
Quality windows have argon gas in between both panes of glass for maximum insulation, and they can lower your energy spending by 25% or more.
Swap Your Lightbulbs
Traditional incandescent light bulbs offer a pleasing, warm light, but they are not very energy efficient. While LED lights of the past were very cool in tone and bright, today’s bulbs are available in a wide variety of tones and brightness levels.
If you want to make your home more energy-efficient, swap out all of your current bulbs for LEDs or CFL bulbs. While there’s an initial cost for doing so, you’ll see a difference in your next utility bill.
Tankless Water Heaters
It might not seem like it, but one of the biggest contributors to your energy spending is your water heater. Your water heater works to keep a large amount of hot water ready to go whenever you need it around the clock.
To make your home more energy-efficient, consider replacing your traditional water heater with a tankless version that heats the water quickly without the need for a large storage tank.
An Inspection Can Help Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
When was the last time you had your home inspected? If you’re like many homeowners, the answer is when you purchased the home. A home inspector can pinpoint potential spots leading to energy loss to make your home more energy-efficient.
You can ask questions during the inspection, and at the end, you will receive a detailed report full of actionable repairs and upgrades that you can make around the home.
Choose the Right Appliances
As you find yourself needing to replace appliances like your washing machine or clothes dryer, you should opt for models that are designed with energy efficiency in mind.
Because this is a significant investment, most homeowners choose to wait to make their homes more energy-efficient with appliances until they are already due for an upgrade.
Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient by Adding More Insulation
Insulation locks in warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer. If your home is under-insulated now, adding extra installation in your attic and other key spots in the home can lower your heating bill by up to 50%. Take your time when insulating and add insulation to the floor, the rafters, and the walls.
Ryan Sorensen Construction & Inspections offers home inspection services, including infrared thermal imaging, to homebuyers in Eastern Oregon. Contact us to schedule an appointment.