Often you might hear people use the phrase “east, west home is the best”. People have a certain degree of attachment to their homes. To many, a home is a source of comfort and inspiration. However, the ride is not always smooth even at home; several challenges can test you to the limits. Such challenges include the issue of home energy efficiency. Since the turn of the century, we have witnessed an upsurge in home energy consumption that is attributed to the constantly evolving technology. Today, most households receive relatively higher energy bills than they did a decade ago all economic variables held constant. However, there is a silver lining to this predicament; you can make your home energy efficient using a few easy tips. Here’s how
Tips To Make Your Home Energy Efficient
- Air seal your home; according to energy star air sealing your home is the first step towards achieving home
energy efficiency. Normally air enters the house through ventilation such as windows and doors that are okay. However, air can still enter through other openings such as wall gaps and gaps near plumbing fixtures. When air enters through these gaps, it brings undesired temperature conditions in the house. This makes air conditioners work for longer to ensure the home is at the desired temperature. Cut down on air conditioning energy cost by contracting a professional constructor to seal the leaks. - Check on insulation, having sealed your air leaks it is time you check on your home’s insulation. More often than not heat escapes through un-insulated walls. During summer, atmospheric heat enters your home through the same un-insulated walls. Such trends are inefficient, and they increase the energy costs of cooling your home. Improving your home’s insulation will go a long way in improving the energy efficiency of your home.
- Install a programmable timer and thermostat, having a programmable thermostat reduces energy wastage at home. During the day while working in the house set a warmer temperature and while everyone is asleep at night set a cooler temperature. A programmable thermostat can do this automatically which improves on efficiency. Efficiency is also about comfort; a programmable thermostat makes the house more comfortable and livable.
- Use energy saving appliances; refrigerators, lighting bulbs, microwaves, iron boxes and televisions taccount use up significant amounts of energy while turned on. Consider replacing these appliances with ones that can shift to an energy saving mode so they do not consume energy. In the market today you will find energy saving lighting bulbs, energy star rated refrigerators and televisions all which will improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Replace your furnace with a highly efficient system; the furnace is like a best friend to people who live in cold areas. However, the furnace is one of the highest energy consumers in a household. It is, therefore, advisable that you replace it with an efficient heating system. You can use energy saving electronics. Preferably a solar heating system is applicable for places with at least six hours of sunshine a day.
Choose To Have An Energy Efficient Home
To many energy is viewed as a liability or expense however with efficiency energy is an asset. Having an energy efficient home is a choice. One that you can make today and enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency that include comfort and lower energy cost. Let the above tips be your foundation towards having an energy efficient home.
