Hello World! Welcome Friends! Energy efficiency is a major concern for homeowners. Energy costs have been rising steadily since the 1970s and are expected to continue increasing in the coming years. The EPA estimates that about 20% of U.S. energy consumption is used by homes, which often translates into high utility bills for homeowners who want to stay cool during the summer or warm during the winter months while not breaking their budgets. Luckily, there are many ways you can save money on your utility bills without having to make any changes to your lifestyle or move out of your home!
Install Solar Panels
Getting solar panels for your house is an investment, but the energy you are able to save throughout the year can even out what you spend on installation. Solar panels range in size depending on how much electricity you use each month and whether or not your house has a roof that is suited for solar panels. Be sure to start this project with plans to stay in your house for at least five years, which is the time it usually takes to recoup your investment. You should also check with your local government about any rebates or tax incentives you might receive along with getting solar panels installed on your roof.
When looking for a place to buy solar panels, make sure they are certified and that they have a lot of good customer feedback. Places like artisanelectricinc.com offer solar panels for roofs that are easy to install yourself, or you can choose to hire a professional. Be sure that any company you go with offers an installation warranty as well as the panels themselves. You can also find a variety of different installations for your home, which range in cost. In order to make sure you get the most out of your solar panels, be sure to have them installed by a professional and have an energy-efficient heating and cooling system put in place while installation is being done.
Use the Wind
If your house doesn’t have much roof space for solar panels but it does have room for a small wind turbine, consider investing in one. A small wind turbine can be installed in your yard and costs around $4000 in materials. If you live in an area where winds blow often, this will maximize your energy efficiency. Make sure when looking to buy a wind turbine that you choose one that is at least 1 kilowatt or larger so that it generates enough electricity for your needs.
Install a More Efficient Thermostat
A lot of homeowners don’t realize how much their old or broken thermostats are costing them each month on their utility bills. Replacing an old thermostat with a new model is one way to instantly save money on your utility bill each month, but replacing it with one designed specifically for energy efficiency is even better! Thermostats designed for energy efficiency will also typically include a programmable setting that ensures your AC or heat doesn’t run when it isn’t needed. These models are typically a bit higher in price, but the payback from the energy you save each month makes up for it.
Good Windows and Insulation Go a Long Way
Installing triple pane windows, especially in rooms you use a lot, will help keep heat from building up during the summer months and will reduce how much you need to run the AC. In the winter months, make sure to close drapes and shades that aren’t needed as they can prevent hot air from heating objects in a room. If there are windows with sunscreens, you should be able to remove them since they’re not designed for insulation purposes since they don’t stop heat from coming in.
You’ll also want to make sure you have enough insulation in your attic. If your home isn’t properly insulated, it doesn’t matter what kind of windows or appliances you have because your heat will escape through the roof. You can either buy insulation from a hardware store, which may require hiring someone to install it, or have a contractor come over to your home and do it.
Keep Your Furnace Running Properly
Did you know that having an inefficient furnace can increase your energy bill by up to 30%? Without proper maintenance, furnaces are more likely to break down which interrupts heat regulation. It’s recommended that you have it cleaned each year, but this is something most people don’t think about doing until the cold weather starts rolling in. If you hire someone to clean and inspect your furnace before winter rolls around, they’ll check for any leaks or problems that could become worse if they aren’t fixed early on. This simple step can help keep costs down throughout the rest of the heating season as well as make sure your family stays warm when they need it.
The best way to make your home more energy-efficient is through a holistic approach, taking into account the windows and insulation as well as other appliances. You can either go for an all-inclusive package or take on these projects one by one, but be sure you know what kind of savings each project will yield before starting them. Once you’re done with those initial steps, it’s time to consider how much furnace maintenance there needs to be done in order to maximize efficiency during the winter months. All that work may seem daunting at first glance but once you start implementing these processes, the payoff from increased energy efficiency will quickly outweigh any effort required upfront!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Choose Good-Quality Appliances For Your House
Essential Rules for Designing a Kitchen
Living In A Large-Scale Community
Get Rid of Annoying House Pests
Ensure You’re Using Safe Water At Home
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Toodles,
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