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In our age of inflation and skyrocketing prices, it is best to turn on saving mode and reduce energy bills.
Often, energy bills cost more than grocery bills, and that’s why it’s crucial to go through an inspection checklist to reduce your energy consumption.
This article will go through some of the essential home improvement ideas from the checklist above.
Add Proper Insulation
Insulating your attic is a must for energy efficiency. Whether you’re heating or cooling your house, most of the air escapes through the windows, attic, and basement.
According to iFoam, adding adequate insulation will help you build heat flow resistance in your home and reduce energy spending.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns from your home and your heating and cooling patterns to adjust energy consumption and keep the right temperatures at the right times.
According to data from different smart thermostat manufacturers, their products provide around 10% yearly savings on heating and close to 15% on cooling.
Considering the initial cost of setting up a smart thermostat, energy savings start rolling in from the second year onward.
Discard Older Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances bought in the early 2000s can consume three to four times more than their modern energy-saving counterparts. Nowadays, we have a better awareness of environmental issues, and at the same time, the cost of electricity is steadily rising.
This is why present-day appliances are designed to consume less energy – something that was not a significant concern 20 or 30 years ago.
Install Ceiling Fans
Another effective way to conserve energy is to use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners. On average, a ceiling fan consumes about 30W – over 100 times less than the energy needed to run a standard AC unit.
The lower energy consumption stems from the fact that ceiling fans don’t lower a room’s temperature. They, however, create a cooling sensation by moving air around.
The refreshing breeze from a ceiling fan can make the room temperature feel several degrees cooler.
Replace Light Bulbs with Led Bulbs
Despite their higher initial cost, switching to LED bulbs can be a cost-effective decision as LED lights have a long lifespan and can withstand frequent switching on and off. A LED bulb ‘lives’ 20 to 40 times longer than a regular incandescent light bulb.
On top of that, LEDs are more energy-efficient because they turn 70% of energy into light – quite remarkable compared to only 10% for an incandescent bulb.
Draft-Proof Your Doors and Windows
Draft proofing doors and windows is an inexpensive yet effective way to reduce energy bills. It is a common misconception that only old houses can have drafty windows.
Small cracks or improper installation can cause air to escape even in new residential developments. You can inspect your doors or windows yourself or hire a professional.
In winter, it is especially easy to identify air leakage – you only need to pass your hand over different areas of all windows and doors to feel if any air is passing through.
Some widespread, cost-effective solutions include foam tape, draft stoppers, shrink-to-fit window film, and weatherstripping.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Floorboards
Instead of traditional hardwood, opt for renewable and energy-efficient flooring made of bamboo and eucalyptus. It can be easily installed in any climate and is an affordable way to ensure 24-hour spill protection.
Bamboo and eucalyptus are two of the most affordable yet durable flooring options on the market, considerably cheaper than hardwood while still resistant to dents.
To get the most of them in terms of energy efficiency, make sure that you contract a reliable wood flooring installer.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, some simple home improvement ideas can dramatically affect your energy bills. Limiting air leakage, choosing energy-efficient alternatives to old appliances and incandescent light bulbs, and opting for economical heating and cooling solutions can transform your home, especially when combined.
And, of course, it’s also best to compare energy plans from different providers to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
