Are you concerned about energy and water conservation? By increasing energy efficiency in the home, you can save money and protect the environment. Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to increase energy efficiency in the home, from replacing old appliances to planting a tree. Here are eight steps to making your home more energy efficient.
1. Add Insulation
One easy and effective way to increase home energy efficiency is to prevent air leaks by adding insulation. Add insulation to walls, attics, and ceilings to ensure warm air does not escape during winter months. You can also use caulking or weather stripping materials to seal doors and windows, preventing drafts and air leaks.
2. Replace Old Appliances & Fixtures
Old appliances and fixtures are simply not as energy efficient as newer models. Search for ENERGY STAR certified appliances, such as washers, dryers, and water heaters for maximum efficiency. You should also replace old toilets, shower heads, and faucets with more efficient WaterSense products.
3. Upgrade Windows
Older windows can be a serious detriment to energy efficiency in your home as they allow warm air to leak out and cold air to come in. There are multiple options for making windows more efficient – you can replace them with newer models, use weather stripping to reduce leaks, or add storm windows for an extra layer of protection.
4. Change Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can save 75% of the energy that incandescent bulbs use. Not only do CFLs last longer, but they also use significantly less energy to generate the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs. Switch out bulbs for major savings on utility bills.
5. Plant Trees Around Your Home
Simply adding the right landscaping to your home can help save energy. Planting trees is beneficial because in the summer, they provide shade that allows you to save on cooling, and in the winter, the bare branches allow warming sunlight to pass through to your home.
6. Fix the Furnace
Do you have an older, less efficient furnace? Improve efficiency by replacing it, or through furnace maintenance, such as changing the filters and sealing ducts. You can also make the furnace more efficient by adding a programmable thermostat.
7. Add Solar Panels
Solar panels can be a huge energy-saver for any home. They allow you to generate your own electricity using the sun. You can still remain connected to the general electricity grid, which means you have a backup source of electricity if needed.
8. Take Advantage of Tax Incentives
There are numerous tax incentives available to encourage you to make your home more energy efficient. You may be able to claim up to 30% or a maximum of $1500 of the cost of making these improvements on your taxes, again helping save money.
At Eco Plumbers, we can make your home more energy efficient by installing energy saving product such as low-flow toilets and more efficient water heaters. Call The Eco Plumbers.
