How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
DIY Insulation Tips to Save Money This Winter
Energy costs money. So that’s why this guide can help you get yourself more energy efficient and save some dollars in the process. So where can we start? Let’s give it a go here:
Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
An easy DIY project is to seal any air leaks around windows and doors in your home. You can use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks. This will help keep warm air inside during winter. Properly sealing leaks can save 10-20% on heating costs.
Add Extra Insulation in the Attic
The attic is often a major source of heat loss. Adding extra insulation like fiberglass batts or loose-fill cellulose can greatly boost your attic’s R-value (insulation effectiveness). Properly insulating your attic to the recommended level can save up to 20% on annual heating and cooling costs.
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Install Smart Thermostats with Temperature Scheduling
Smart thermostats like Nest allow you to program custom heating and cooling schedules. This ensures you are efficiently heating and cooling your home only when needed. Installing a smart thermostat can reduce heating costs by 10-30%.
Take Advantage of Smart Scheduling Features
Many smart thermostats have convenient features like geofencing, which will detect when you leave home and automatically change the temperature setting. Scheduling the thermostat around your daily routine and using these types of features maximizes savings. Most models estimate nearly $150 in annual savings by properly utilizing scheduling.
Replace Old Appliances with Energy Efficient Models
Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR Refrigerator
Replacing an old inefficient refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR certified model can save over $300 in electricity costs over the appliance’s lifetime. ENERGY STAR refrigerators are about 9% more energy efficient than non-certified models. This upgrade pays for itself within 3 years.
Switch to an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher
Replacing your old dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR model uses less water and saves on average $40 per year on utility bills. Many energy efficient dishwashers also have shorter cycle options, further cutting electricity and water usage.
Use Low Energy Lighting Fixtures
Install ENERGY STAR Certified LED Light Bulbs
Replacing traditional incandescent or CFL light bulbs with ENERGY STAR rated LEDs can reduce lighting energy usage up to 80%. LED bulbs last years longer as well, saving on replacement costs. Installing LEDs in high usage fixtures provides the fastest return on investment.
Use Dimmer Switches with LED Bulbs
Combining dimmable ENERGY STAR LED light bulbs with compatible dimmer switches allows home occupants to customize light output. This provides extra energy savings by using lower light levels when possible. Dimming LEDs can make rooms feel more comfortable as well.
Seal up Unintended Air Leaks
Find and Seal Hidden Leaks Around the Home
An effective way to save energy is by sealing hidden air leaks around your home. Areas to check include recessed lights, attic hatches, along baseboards, electrical/plumbing penetrations, and behind wall outlets. You can use caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping to seal these overlooked gaps. Properly sealing hidden leaks can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.
Install Draft Stoppers on Doors and Windows
Another simple DIY upgrade is to install inexpensive draft stoppers on doors and windows. Draft stoppers help seal air gaps around movable parts of your home. Installing proper weatherstripping and draft stoppers can reduce air leakage by up to 15%. This prevents heated or cooled air from escaping your home, providing higher comfort and lower energy bills.