With the growing global focus on sustainability, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve energy at home. This mindset benefits both the environment and your wallet — as it can lead to long-term savings on your monthly energy bills.
Luckily, there are a variety of energy-efficient updates that can be made to your home, ranging from simple habit changes to major renovations. Here are some of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency, from using a clothesline to dry clothes to installing solar panels. We’ve purposely put them in order from the easiest changes to the most advanced updates!
Maximize Natural Light
Depending on natural light during the day is an excellent way to cut back on artificial lighting and heating costs. And we have plenty of sunlight here in Colorado! So open up those blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. And depending on the orientation of your home, you can get quite a bit of natural light streaming into your most-used rooms!
Turn on the Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren’t just decorative — they have a purpose! Use them to cool off your home during the warmer months before you crank up the AC. Just make sure the blades are rotating the correct direction; during the summer, they should be spinning counterclockwise, so the air is pushed down to create a cool breeze.
Use a Clothesline to Dry Clothes
Before there were high-powered dryers, there was good ole fresh air. Utilize this free natural resource — and significantly cut back on energy consumption — by letting your clothes dry on a clothesline during the warmer months. According to Project Laundry List, this change can help the average household save between 10–20 percent on utility bills! Plus, your clothes will smell and look extra clean and fresh.
Use LED Light Bulbs
If you haven’t already, replace all your light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. In fact, they use up to 80% less energy and they last longer, which means you’ll have to replace them much less frequently. LED bulbs also emit less heat, so you’ll save a little on cooling costs!
Seal Air Leaks
Believe it or not, air seeping in or out of your home can affect your cooling and heating costs, as your system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature. So it’s important to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed. There are several ways to test for air leaks, from a simple “candle test” to hiring a professional to inspect your home with various types of equipment.
Update Your Showerhead
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average family uses about 40 gallons of water per day on showers, which accounts for about 17% of indoor water use. So you can cut back on your water consumption, and therefore your water and energy usage, by about 50% by installing a low-flow showerhead! Here are some of the best low-flow showerheads, from the budget-friendly to the luxurious.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
We’ve all heard how much energy you can save by simply adjusting the temperature of your house a degree or two. But what if you didn’t have to constantly adjust it yourself? A smart programmable thermostat will do all the energy-saving for you, as you’re able to set different temperature levels for certain times of the day. Plus, some thermostats will learn your lifestyle habits and will adjust the temperature accordingly. According to the EPA, smart thermostats are estimated to save users an average of 8 percent on their utility bills, which adds up to significant savings over time!
Upgrade Your Appliances
Over the years of owning a home, appliances will start to die — hopefully not all at once! When you are faced with the decision to replace them, take this opportunity to upgrade to more energy-efficient models. Thankfully, there are so many eco-friendly options with Energy Star ratings available in this day and age! While they may be more expensive upfront, the money you save over time will more than make up for the difference.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
If you have an older home, your windows may be letting out lots of heat and therefore, increasing your cooling bill. Installing energy-efficient windows will benefit your home in several ways, including improving your energy savings, protecting your home from harmful UV rays, reducing condensation, and at the end of the day, increasing the resale value of your home!
Upgrade Your Insulation
A well-insulated home is an energy-efficient home. Insulation acts as a barrier that prevents the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home. In the winter, insulation helps to keep the warm air inside, and in the summer, it helps to keep the hot air out. Consider upgrading your insulation or increasing the amount of insulation if your home isn’t well-insulated! By reducing the amount of heat that is lost or gained through your walls, attic, and floors, you can lower your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.
Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is one of the most powerful ways to make your home more energy-efficient. Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity, which can power your home and reduce your dependence on non-renewable sources of energy. By generating your own energy, you can lower your energy bills and potentially even sell excess energy back to the grid. This means that over time, solar panels can pay for themselves and even generate a return on your investment. Plus, using solar energy can help to reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gasses produced by traditional energy sources. With the advancements in solar technology and decreasing costs, installing solar panels has become a more affordable and accessible option for homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption and live more sustainably.
Conserve That Energy!
By taking steps to reduce energy consumption, homeowners can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future for us all. And keep in mind that even minor changes can make a major impact!
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