5 Tips For Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient
When your home is energy efficient, you will enjoy lower utility bills, more consistently comfortable indoor temperatures and a better quality of life. The simple steps you can take may require an investment, but it will quickly be realized by savings on utility bills and increased comfort in your home. There are many different benefits that come with keeping your home energy-efficient. However, in order to see those benefits you first have to make a change in your home. Here are 5 tips to help you get started on making your home more energy-efficient.
Plant Trees
Planting trees around your home can protect your home from bitter winds and provide cooling shade in the summer. Deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the winter to let the sun warm your home, and the return of a canopy of shade in the summer will reduce energy bills and increase your comfort. You would be surprised how much of a difference having trees in your yard can make when it comes to the temperature of your home.
Choose Efficient Appliances
With many of the functions in our home run by appliances, such as washers, furnaces, dryers, water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators and cooktops, the energy they consume can be significant. Reducing the required amount of energy is as simple as choosing energy efficient appliances that use less electricity, water or gas. You’ll enjoy the same excellent results from these contemporary appliances, but you’ll save money on utilities while easing your footprint on the environment.
Replace Windows
Leaky, single-pane windows are a major source of energy loss from many homes. With heat escaping through the windows in the winter, and air conditioners struggling to keep up with the summer heat, replacing your windows is one of the most energy-efficient steps you can take. Places such as Gilkey Windows can help you learn more about double or triple-paned insulated glass that blocks ultraviolet rays which can help you can enjoy natural light without sacrificing consistent temperatures inside your home.
Add Insulation
Adding insulation is another way you can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home. Although it is easiest to install insulation when a home is being remodeled or newly built, insulation can be blown into the walls of older homes. Draft reduction and an improvement in the consistency of interior temperatures can immediately be felt during both cold and hot weather.
Install Low-Flow Water Fixtures
Water is becoming a scarce commodity, and reducing your use of water is a smart way to lower your utility bills while preserving this precious resource. Low-flow water fixtures are available for showers and sinks, and low-flush toilets put smaller amounts of water down the drain.
These steps towards energy efficiency will make you feel good about your commitment to saving the environment, yet they won’t impact your lifestyle in a negative way. You’ll enjoy savings on your utility bills while continuing to benefit from the modern conveniences of your energy-efficient home.
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Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. She loves to connect with people on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kara.masterson.58.
