With energy costs constantly rising, many homeowners are looking for ways to increase efficiency and reduce their monthly bills. The average household spends almost $4,000 per year on energy bills, with the bulk going towards heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances. Nonetheless, there are many budget friendly steps you can take to cut your home’s energy use and environmental impact.
Seal Air Leaks
Sealing places where indoor air escapes is one of the fastest ways to boost efficiency. Apply caulk and weather stripping around windows, doors, pipes, vents, outlets, fixtures, and any gaps or cracks spotted during a visual inspection. Fixing air leaks could save 10-20% on heating and cooling bills. Purchase materials at any hardware store.
Increase Insulation
The experts at Epsilyte say that properly insulating attics, exterior walls, crawl spaces, and basements reduces heating and cooling loss tremendously. Use green insulation materials like recycled cotton or cellulose which offer similar R-values as fiberglass. For do-it-yourselfers, batt installation is simple and affordable (always wear protective gear when handling insulation). Consult insulation contractors for special needs like blown-in wall dense-packing. Added insulation raises comfort and cuts energy usage year-round.
Upgrade HVAC Equipment
Heating and cooling represent the bulk of home energy costs. While new high-efficiency HVAC equipment requires significant investment, units typically pay for themselves within 5 years through energy savings. When replacing older air conditioning units, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). For furnaces and boilers, seek models showing an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90% or greater. Programmable and smart Wi-Fi thermostats also optimize system usage.
Switch to LED Lighting
Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with LEDs slashes lighting power usage by 75% or more. LEDs also last 25 times longer. Replace outdoor security and spot lighting first to maximize savings. Then transition indoor fixtures to LED lamps. Though LEDs cost more initially, reduced electricity and replacement expenses deliver annual savings.
Water Heating Upgrades
Heating water is the second largest home energy expense. Adding insulation around electric water heaters lowers standby loss. For new purchases, heat pump and solar thermal models are much more efficient. Setting water heater temperature only as hot as needed (120°F is usually adequate) also trims usage substantially. Repairing any leaks or dripping faucets eliminates waste too.
Install High Efficiency Appliances
When buying new washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators, select ENERGY STAR models which use 10–50% less energy and water than standard units. Look for good sizing match to household needs rather than maximum capacities. Run full loads whenever possible as well. Retire aging secondary fridges and freezers if able. Proper appliances make everyday tasks greener.
Leverage Smart Technology
Smart home devices like web-connected thermostats, lighting controls, power outlets, and appliances enable automating and optimizing energy usage remotely. Smart meters provide granular tracking to inform conservation efforts too. Tech gadgets make saving energy and money easy.
Utilize Renewable Energy
On-site solar panel systems generate bountiful clean electricity year-round for states enjoying ample sunshine. Federal tax incentives plus long-term utility savings now offset solar equipment costs faster than ever. Just one or two panels can run small loads or charge devices. Solar water heating systems reduce costs too. Renewables shrink environmental impact even on cloudy days via utility net metering programs.
Conclusion
With creative approaches and modest effort, households can achieve lower energy bills through efficiency and conservation regardless of home type, age, or size. Protecting budgets and the planet starts right at home. This list outlined key areas primed for high-impact savings potential. See additional resources from energy.gov and energystar.gov too. Making savvy efficiency choices now allows everyone to help build a cleaner energy future.
