A decade ago, true energy efficiency is something that most homeowners could only have dreamt of. Today, it’s practical, cost-effective, and entirely realistic for those who are willing to put in the work.
The “Why” Behind Energy Efficient Homes
Intuitively, we all know that having an energy efficient home is a good thing. But have you ever paused to consider why? In other words, what are the tangible benefits of owning an energy efficient house?
- Lower bills. The most obvious perk is a reduction in monthly home energy bills. Whether it’s $10 or $200, every penny counts.
- More comfortable. As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than having hot or cold spots in your home. These are often caused by drafts or inefficiencies in your HVAC system. With the right adjustments, you won’t have to live with these issues any longer.
- High ROI. Homebuyers pay a premium for energy efficiency these days. That makes an investment in the right upgrades an investment in your home’s property value.
- Environmentally friendly. We each have to do our part to limit our carbon footprint and make the environment a safer and more sustainable place for all. By making your home more energy efficient, you do your part to promote a cleaner community.
When you combine all of these benefits, it becomes overwhelmingly evident that an investment in energy efficient upgrades and additions is a wise move. Now it’s just a matter of executing.
5 Tips to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Not sure where to begin? Here are some simple ways you can boost your home’s energy efficiency and begin reaping the rewards highlighted above:
1. Replace Windows and Doors
Drafty windows aren’t just uncomfortable – they’re also expensive! If your windows are old and deteriorated (or are simply poor in quality), you could be throwing hundreds of dollars down the drain each year and putting unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
Replacement windows can decrease utility bills and lower your need for maintenance. They’ll also help you avoid significant fluctuations in temperature. The same goes for doors. Replacing your front door, in particular, can increase efficiency and add value by enhancing your house’s curb appeal.
2. Upgrade Kitchen Appliances
Your old kitchen appliances may still work, but are they really worth holding onto? If they’re inefficient, they could be costing you hundreds of dollars per year in additional energy. By upgrading to newer and more efficient models, you can enjoy significant savings starting now.
3. Go Tankless
A tank style water heater could be sucking up valuable energy in your home. A simple switch to a tankless water heater could make a huge difference.
Research shows that tankless water heaters are 24 percent to 34 percent more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters (for households that use 41 gallons or less of hot water on a daily basis). But even for households that use as much as 86 gallons of hot water per day, tankless heaters are still 8 percent to 14 percent more efficient. Estimates suggest that installing a tankless heater can reduce energy bills by 27 percent to 50 percent (resulting in at least $100 in annual household savings).
4. Install an Attic tent
If your attic door isn’t insulated, it’s wasting a lot of energy and driving up your heating and cooling costs. By installing an attic tent (which is basically an insulated hood that goes behind/above the door), you can prevent more than 75 percent of air transfer. Typical energy savings are around 7 percent to 10 percent each year, which means most homeowners will break even within the first year.
5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Your old manual or programmable thermostat isn’t nearly as efficient as you might think. It’s very limited in its capabilities and should be swapped out for a smart thermostat. These new smart options can sense changes in the environment and just accordingly. They can also be controlled remotely, which allows you to adjust temperature settings while you’re at work, on vacation, or lying in bed.
Putting it all Together
Whether you’re doing it to lower your bills, enhance your comfort, boost your home’s value, or benefit the environment, an investment in energy efficiency will never come back empty handed. Will you follow through?
Article Submitted By Community Writer