With all the technology around us, our lives are much easier. The problem is that keeping things running can take large amounts of energy. This can be bad for your wallet as well as the Earth. That is why it is a good idea to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some tips on how you can do that:
Start With the Outdoors
It may come as a surprise but energy efficiency upgrades can begin in your lawn. One of the best ways to help your home with its heating and cooling needs is to plant trees. During summer, they provide natural cooling by protecting your home from direct sunlight. They can even help in winter by providing windbreaks so extreme cold weather won’t affect your home. Work with a reputable landscape construction company in Spokane and other areas to find the ideal places to plant the trees that you need.
Install Insulation
The walls and windows of your home transfer heat in different directions depending on the season. During summer, the outdoor heat comes in through them. During winter, on the other hand, the heat transfer is from the inside to the outside. This is why installing proper installation in both of them can be a big help. It slows down the heat transfer so that less energy is needed for both heating and cooling. Insulation is simple enough to install, though it is best to have professionals handle it. They know how to be thorough. Finally, don’t forget your attic and basement in the insulation project.
Upgrade Old Systems
If you own an old house, you probably have older HVAC systems. If they are older than ten years, it is always a good idea to replace them with newer models. This is because later models often have better energy efficiency. For example, older furnaces from before 1992 tend to waste around 35 percent of the fuel they use. Look around for models with high-efficiency ratings for your replacements.
Consider Solar Energy
Nowadays, solar panels are cheap and easy to install. If you want to cut down on your dependence on the public grid, then putting solar panels on top of your house is a good idea. They can generate enough electricity to power several small appliances and your lights. This can go a long way to cutting down on your electricity bill and they can pay for themselves in several years.
Add a Storm Door
With a basic door, there is still a level of heat loss. This is fine on normal days but when bad weather comes, you want something sturdier. Installing a storm door can add another layer of weather protection. Besides that, you can reduce energy loss by 25 percent with its presence.
Request for an Energy Audit
Besides all of these changes, there are still small modifications that you can do. For a thorough list of suggested improvements, you can request an energy audit. A trained home inspector can identify possible changes and make suggestions on what to do.
Increased energy efficiency means you won’t be wasting any money. Proper energy usage maximizes available natural resources. With the tips above, you will be able to do more for less. In the long run, this can mean savings for you.
