As a homeowner, you can take steps to save energy in your home. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment, but it can also lead to significant savings on your utility bills over time. Here are a few best energy-saving tips for homeowners, from simple DIY tips to more advanced strategies.
Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners: Hang Curtains
As a homeowner, you want to make sure your house is energy-efficient year-round. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save energy in the home is by using curtains. Curtains can be used in summer and winter to regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing energy costs.
For summer, opt for curtains that effectively block sunlight and keep the living spaces cool. Keep them closed during the day when the sun is warm outside; this will keep hot air from entering your home, forcing the air conditioning to work harder.
On cooler evenings when it’s pleasant enough outdoors, open up the windows and let some fresh air circulate through your home without extra cost.
In winter, switch to heavier materials like velvet or suede fabrics to retain warmth indoors. Open the curtains during the day to let the sun warm the living spaces and close them at night to trap the heat inside.
Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs with LEDs
One of the easiest ways to save energy is by replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs. These newer lightbulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer – up to 15 times as long. LEDs and CFLs cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run.
Update Old Appliances With ENERGY STAR Models
Old appliances can be substantial energy drains because they don’t perform as well as their modern counterparts. If your appliances are ten years old or older, consider replacing them with new ENERGY STAR models that use significantly less energy than their predecessors. More recent versions will lower your overall electricity costs, plus the appliances will offer better performance.
Insulate Your Walls and Attic
A straightforward way to reduce heat loss in winter is by adequately insulating walls and attic spaces. Adding insulation is an inexpensive way to improve your home’s efficiency, resulting in significant savings on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Additionally, sealing cracks or gaps around windows and door frames keeps hot air out during the summer and retains warm air during the winter.
Use the Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to save energy while staying comfortable. They reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer and circulate the air throughout rooms, making them feel more comfortable.
To get maximum efficiency from your fan, adjust the blades to rotate counterclockwise during the summer. In the winter, set the blades to spin clockwise; this direction pushes warm air near the ceiling down into the room. You’ll reduce energy costs while still keeping comfortable.
These steps help you create a more efficient home. These changes will lower utility bills while keeping your living spaces comfortable.
Five Stars Home Inspection offers inspection services to customers in the Greater Boston area. Contact us to request an appointment.