How to Have an Energy Efficient Home
There are a handful of different ways you can improve your home's energy efficiency, which in turn can save you a bundle on electric, heating and related costs. Perhaps the biggest step to improving your home's energy efficiency right off the bat is to seal leaks and install insulation. To find air leaks, simply take a tour of your home, including the basement and attic, and look for areas where air drafts are noticeable. Once these leaks have been fixed, you will already begin noticing energy savings. To further improve your energy efficiency, you should add insulation to your walls. Different types of insulation include fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation and spray foam insulation.
Sealing your air ducts can also greatly reduce your home's energy consumption. It is estimated that roughly 20% of the air that moves along a duct system becomes lost because of loose connections and leaks. You can use duct sealant or duct masking tape to fix the leaks. Next, you should begin checking your windows for any leaks or other problems. Typically, upgrading your old windows to more energy efficient windows can create substantial savings and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
If you're using an old furnace, consider replacing it with a high efficiency system. You can use the same process for your old hot water heater as well. Most of today's top models come with energy efficiency certifications to ensure the quality of your device. You can also plant trees and shrubs near home to block infrared radiation from the sun. Finally, a quick way to really start noticing savings and improve your home's energy efficiency is to replace all your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs last longer and use much less energy than regular incandescent bulbs.
