Now that you understand the importance of living energy-efficient home, let’s see what energy efficient home improvements you can implement:
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
One of the most significant contributors to energy usage in a home is appliances. By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.
Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These appliances use less energy and can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks can account for up to 30% of a home's heating and cooling costs. By sealing these leaks, you can reduce your energy usage and save money on your utility bills.
Common areas for air leaks include windows, doors, and electrical outlets. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these leaks and prevent air from escaping.
3. Use a Home Energy Management System (HEMS)
Energy management systems, such as zeronest, function as an assistant for your house’s electricity use.
A HEMS acts as the brain of your smart home's energy use. It tracks your overall energy consumption and provides detailed breakdowns by appliance or circuit. This valuable insight empowers you to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about your energy usage. You may then schedule certain home appliances to work during the off-peak hours, among other potential cost saving strategies.
The system at the heart of your home system may also integrate with a smart thermostat and lighting systems allowing you to live more comfortably while keeping energy costs in check. If you live in a country where energy production is highly carbon intensive, such as Poland, you may save thousands of kilograms of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
As mentioned earlier, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs can save you up to 75% on your lighting costs. LED and CFL bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
While energy-efficient light bulbs may cost more upfront, they will save you money in the long run and reduce your energy usage.
5. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Insulation helps keep warm air inside during the winter and outside during the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
You can insulate your home in various ways, such as adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors. You can also use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any gaps or cracks where air may be escaping.
6. Use Natural Light
Maximizing natural light in your home can reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving you money on your energy bills. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light, and consider installing skylights or larger windows to increase natural light in your home.
At night you also don’t need to light up the whole house. Turn on the lights only in the room where you’re currently being in.
7. Consider Solar Panels
Solar panels are an excellent way to reduce your energy usage and save money on your utility bills. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate your electricity and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
While the upfront cost of installing solar panels may be high, they can save you money in the long run and increase the value of your home.
If you want to create a more comprehensive system, think of installing an energy store for surplus energy generated during the day.
