How to Improve Your Home’s Design So That It’s More Energy-Efficient
As a homeowner, you want to spend as little as possible on utilities each month. The good news is that there are many easy steps that you can take to make your home as efficient as possible. In addition to saving money on utilities, these changes may also increase a home’s market value.
Add More Insulation
If you notice that the basement is damp or chilly, you can add insulation to better regulate the flow of air in and out of the home. The same can be done in the attic as well. You can also insulate any gaps between the siding and the home’s frame to keep the temperature inside at a consistently comfortable level.
Consider Adding Casement Windows
When you install casement windows in your house, you get a product that creates an airtight seal when closed. By eliminating drafts, your living room, den or bedroom won’t be too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. This means that you don’t have to rely as much as on the furnace or air conditioner throughout the year. The windows themselves are meant to last for many years, which means that you have one less maintenance item to worry about.
Choose LED Lights
Removing halogen bulbs in favor of LED bulbs can be a great way to save money and upgrade your home at the same time. In addition to the traditional white bulbs, you can buy LED lights that come in a variety of colors. This is perfect for your child’s room, the basement or any other space where you want to create a fun vibe. Typically, LED bulbs will last for 10,000 hours.
Replace Your HVAC System
A new furnace can help to save hundreds or thousands of dollars in energy costs per year. The same is true by installing a new air conditioning system that has an ENERGY STAR label. Using split duct heating or cooling systems can make it easier to control the temperature in a given space. This means that you aren’t paying to heat or cool a room that no one is occupying.
Taking steps to make a home more efficient can reduce your utility bills while making the home more comfortable to live in. In some cases, these changes can also help to make a property more resistant to water or pest damage. Although some of these changes require an upfront cash investment, they tend to more than pay for themselves over time.
