Saving energy at home also saves you money. An energy-efficient home reduces your global footprint, which people are becoming more aware of. There are easy, inexpensive ways to make your home efficient and also more costly improvements. Here are 5 upgrades for your home that will help it save energy.
Make the Home Airtight
One of the most affordable and simple ways to make your home efficient is to make it airtight around the doors and windows. This is an easy DIY task with inexpensive materials. Adhesive weatherstripping material is available at any home improvement store and sticks to the edges of doors to close gaps. Old windows that have cracks in the frames should be caulked to make them airtight.
Upgrade Your Appliances and HVAC System
This tip to save energy at home requires a sizable investment, but it pays off. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use a fraction of the energy that older appliances do. Also, most appliances only last for around a decade, so it is best to replace them before they break down. You’ll get peace of mind from having a reliable appliance and also a less expensive power bill. The HVAC system uses the most energy out of all appliances, so replacing this system will be the most impactful.
Add Insulation to the Attic to Make Your Home Efficient
If the attic doesn’t have enough insulation, or if the insulation is damaged, it can’t keep conditioned air inside the home. Air escapes through the roof if the attic doesn’t have proper insulation. Luckily, with protective gear, it isn’t too difficult to add insulation to an attic. You can also hire a professional to assess the insulation you have and add more if necessary.
Insulate the Water Heater
One of the easiest ways to make your home more efficient is simply covering your water heater tank with an insulative blanket. Manufacturers make these jackets specifically for water heaters that help the tank maintain the right temperature while using less energy.
Maintain the HVAC System to Make Your Home Efficient
Keeping your HVAC system in good condition is crucial to make your home efficient. Change the air filter as often as the manufacturer recommends and have the system serviced regularly. When the HVAC is in optimal condition, it runs more efficiently.
HomeShield Inspections provides home inspections to Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. Contact us to schedule an appointment.