5 Energy Efficient Improvements for Your Home
There are many reasons to take steps toward increased home energy efficiency. It can help your family achieve a smaller carbon footprint, which is increasingly important to many people concerned with climate change. Less energy use can also lead to lower utility bills. These five home improvement projects can get you started toward increased home efficiency.
Go Solar
If rising energy costs are driving your home improvements, switching to solar power is definitely worth considering. You can choose to supplement your utility company provided power, or even switch completely to renewable energy. Adding solar panels is a big home improvement project, and some homeowners will turn to a professional company for the design and installation process. However, there are many ways that it can be made more manageable. Consider a solar lease program or do it yourself kit, which can help reduce upfront costs. Make sure you ask about any incentives and rebates that are available in your area too.
Replace Windows and Doors
If you feel like you are literally throwing money out the windows each time you pay a utility bill, it may be time to replace them. Older windows and doors can be a major source of energy waste. Newer coatings, insulation methods, and framing materials can help reduce energy loss through and around windows and doors.
If full replacements aren't an option for you right now, there are several other ways to boost the efficiency of your current windows and doors. Consider adding special coatings to window glass to help reduce UV penetration during the summer. Storm doors tend to be less expensive than full entry doors and can add an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Upgrading your appliances can help you save on energy costs for several reasons. New appliances tend to run more efficiently than their older counterparts as a general rule. While you are looking to add new appliances, make sure you look for the Energy Star certification. This means that your new appliances have some of the best energy efficiency features available.
Don't discount the value that smart appliances can add to your home. They can be programmed to run at certain times, which is great for setting thermostats to turn heat and air conditioning on and off around your schedule. Features that allow you to turn appliances on from your phone or tablet means you can run the dishwasher or dryer during off-peak hours to maximize savings. Even being able to see what food is in your refrigerator without opening the door helps increase the appliance's efficiency.
Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
A traditional tank-style water heater works by heating gallons of water over and over throughout the day. This way, when you turn on a faucet, the hot water is ready to flow. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, work by heating water on demand. When you turn on a faucet, a heating element quickly heats water to your desired temperature. They are nearly instantaneous, so you don't have to wait for the hot water to reach you. If it is time to replace your existing water heater, there are tankless models that will heat water for the whole house. Smaller, point of use heaters, can act as a supplement for single rooms or fixtures. This is a great option for houses with a bathroom located far from the main water heater.
Improve Your Landscape
Not all home improvement projects take place in your house. Landscape changes can help your house make maximum use of its location and the surrounding environment. Pay attention to where water runoff goes and see if you can channel it to areas that need irrigation. If you understand which parts of your yard get the most sun during the heat of the summer, then you can use trees to help provide shade from it. This will help regulate temperatures inside your house.
Make Small Changes
Not all home improvement projects have to be major ones. Start small and, as you realize the efficiency upgrades you've made, you may want to invest in more or larger projects.
