Save Energy and Money with these Easy Home Upgrades
Seal Air Leaks
Sealing air leaks around doors, windows, and any gaps along your home’s exterior keeps heated and cooled air where you want it. Applying caulk, weatherstripping, and insulation can save you up to 30% on heating and cooling costs. Start by finding and sealing larger gaps before moving on to smaller cracks and holes.
Upgrade Old Appliances
Replacing outdated appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines with newer ENERGY STAR certified models can lead to major energy savings. New appliances incorporate improved insulation, precise sensors, and efficient motors that use 10-50% less energy and water than models over 5-10 years old.
Swap Old Lightbulbs with Energy Efficient Data Models
Use LED Bulbs
Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs that use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer is one of the fastest ways to cut lighting costs. LED bulbs are available for most household lighting fixtures. Consider warm-toned 2700-3000K bulbs for a soft glow.
Install Dimmers and Motion Sensors
Adding lighting controls like dimmers, occupancy sensors, and automatic timers helps reduce energy waste by tailoring light levels to your needs. Dimmers give flexibility to lower brightness. Occupancy and motion sensors turn lights off when no movement is detected after a set time. Automatic timers turn lights on/off on set schedules.
10 Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Switch from chemical-based cleaners to eco-friendly cleaners made from natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and plant oils. These products get the job done without releasing VOCs or pollutants. Look for Green Seal or Safer Choice certified products.
Install Energy Efficient Windows
Upgrading single or double-paned windows to new triple-paned ENERGY STAR models dramatically reduces heating and cooling costs. Quality windows also block outdoor noise and filter in natural light while preventing heat loss through the glass. Consider low-emissivity coatings for even better efficiency.
Here is the requested section on sealing leaks and insulating to save energy costs:
Seal Leaks and Insulate to Save Energy Costs
Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Sealing air leaks around moveable joints like windows and doors prevents drafts and improved insulation. Apply weatherstripping around the edges and caulk around cracks. Replace old seals if cracked or missing. Proper sealing prevents costly air leaks.
Add Insulation in Attics and Walls
Heat flows easily through insufficient attic floor and exterior wall insulation. Adding insulation increases the R-value, improving the home’s ability to resist conductive heat flow. Target at least R-30 for attic floors and R-13 insulation in exterior walls. This provides better efficiency and comfort.
Install Smart Thermostats and Own Your Temperature
Save Energy With Programmable Thermostats
Replacing old thermostats with programmable smart thermostats allows you to digitally control home temperatures based on customizable schedules and presence detection. Program comfort settings for when home, and energy saving temperatures when away or sleeping to save up to 10% on bills.
Enable Remote Access and Control
Many smart thermostats connect to home WiFi networks and mobile apps, allowing remote temperature adjustments even when away from home. View energy usage trends and automate optimal heating and cooling levels based on changing needs. This makes energy savings simple and convenient.
Andrew Murray is an avid app user. I love testing out new apps and helping others save time by picking the best ones. I love playing soccer and checking for new affiliate commissions. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
I am the founder of the link tracking service, Linkalytics. Jump over and create your free account!
