In recent years, many homeowners have started turning their attention to improving the energy-efficiency of their homes. In addition to the cost-savings they can realize through lower utility bills, there is also a growing awareness and desire not to continue depleting the Earth’s natural resources or pollute the environment through the burning of fossil fuels.
In efforts to reduce their dependance on these natural resources and reduce their carbon footprint, more people are adopting various eco-friendly measures around their homes. These include incorporating renewable resources such as solar power into their energy usage, installing energy-efficient appliances and minimizing their household waste. By doing so, these individuals are not only cutting costs but also contributing to a more sustainable future. If you would like to further improve the energy-efficiency of your home, this article has outlined some tips to help you achieve your goal.
Enhanced Insulation
By using airtight insulation in your home through high-performing materials such as mineral wool, fiberglass, and polyurethane foam you can significantly minimize heat loss, reducing the need to keep your home warm in the winter. This will lower your reliance on your heating system, as the energy required to heat your home is reduced, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact. To ensure overall heating efficiency, it’s also important to check that your furnace is working optimally by listening for any unusual sounds. You can learn more about furnace noises you shouldn’t ignore by visiting this site.
Air can also escape through doors, window frames and cracks in walls. Ensuring these areas are well sealed and airtight can greatly improve your home’s insulation and energy-efficiency. Additionally, triple pane windows can offer enhanced energy-efficiency for your home due to the insulating gas between each pane.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
According to the U.S. government, by 2027, the widespread adoption of LEDs could cut the nation’s electricity usage by an amount equal to the annual output of 44 large electric power plants, resulting in total savings of over $30 billion.
Upgrading your home’s light fittings with LED bulbs can, therefore, yield significant energy savings. Not only do they emit the same brightness as traditional bulbs, they also consume 90% less energy and last 15 times longer. Smart lighting systems can further enhance energy efficiency in your home. Through advanced sensor technology which detects motion, the lights in a room will automatically turn off when there is no one present. This prevents unnecessary lighting, reducing energy waste as well as costs.
Dependance on artificial lighting can be further reduced by maximizing the inflow of natural light into your home through ‘daylighting’. This refers to the use of sunlight to illuminate a building, reducing energy usage and costs. Daylight penetration can be achieved through features such as skylights, glass doors, large windows and other additions which allow more sunlight to enter your home.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats can greatly enhance the energy-efficiency of your home by adjusting its heating and cooling requirements according to your needs. Through adaptive learning, a smart thermostat can regulate the temperature in your home according to your schedule and habits and can also track the GPS on your smartphone to recognize when you are away, preventing unnecessary heating and cooling.
It can also access live weather information to determine the home’s heating and cooling requirements and be controlled remotely to suit your needs. With improved heating and cooling efficiency, a smart thermostat can also enhance the running and maintenance of your HVAC system, leading to further savings.
By implementing these suggestions, you can reap significant energy savings around your home, resulting in lower energy bills and a greater sense of stewardship for our planet.