Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to save money on your monthly energy bills and do your part in helping the environment. Unfortunately, many people don’t know where to start to achieve this noble goal because they don’t want to make any significant changes to their homes. The beauty is that making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be a huge, costly endeavour. The following are some tips that can help make your home more energy efficient without breaking the bank:
1. Use Ceiling Fans
In the summer, ceiling fans can help to circulate air and cool a room. In the winter, they push warm air down from the ceiling, making a room more comfortable. Using ceiling fans can help to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills. When choosing a ceiling fan, look for one with blades at least 52 inches in diameter. The wider the blades, the more air the fan will move. Also, select a fan with a reversible motor that will rotate the blades counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter.
2. Insulate Water Heaters
Insulating your water heater keeps the heat in, reducing the energy needed to maintain the water at the desired temperature. There are a few different ways to insulate your water heater, but one of the most effective is to purchase an insulation blanket from improvement stores. Another option is to wrap the entire unit in insulation tape to maintain heat. Ensure that the tape doesn’t contact any electrical components.
3. Check Your Ductwork
Ducts distribute heated or cooled air throughout the home. Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of the energy used to heat or cool a home. As a result, checking your ductwork regularly for leaks is crucial. In addition, you can improve the energy efficiency of your ductwork through insulation. It’ll keep the air inside the ducts and will also prevent condensation from forming on the outside.
4. Don’t Use Appliances Throughout
One way to do this is to be mindful of the appliances you use throughout the day. For example, instead of leaving the television on all day, only turn it on when you plan to watch it. Similarly, unplug electronics that are not in use, as they can still draw power even when turned off. In the kitchen, cook several meals and freeze the leftovers for future use. It’ll minimize the amount of time you spend cooking, and it will also help you save on energy costs.
5. Service and Upgrade Your Furnaces
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their furnace is one of the biggest energy hogs in their homes. Furnaces account for up to 40% of a home’s energy use. Regular furnace maintenance is the best way to keep your furnace running efficiently. Service your furnace annually. In addition, you should replace your furnace filter at least once every three months.
Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model is also a great way to reduce energy use. Newer furnaces are much more efficient than older models and can save you hundreds of dollars annually in energy costs. When shopping for a new furnace, compare the ratings of different models’ annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The AFUE rating measures the percentage of heat produced by the furnace to warm your home, so higher AFUE ratings mean more efficient furnaces.
For example, when searching for the best furnace in Canada, look for an Energy Guide label that lists the model’s AFUE rating. Check for warranties, basic features, and top brands. In addition, remember that propane and natural gas furnaces are usually more efficient than electric ones. If you’re considering an electric furnace, compare its efficiency rating with similar gas models before purchasing.
6. Ensure the Door and Windows Are Airtight
An energy-efficient home is not only good for your wallet but also good for the environment. Inadequately sealed doors and windows lose considerable heat in your home. It means that your heating and cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which uses more energy and drives up your utility bills.
In addition, drafts can also make your home feel colder in the winter and hotter in the summer, leading you to adjust the thermostat and use even more energy. Start by sealing the doors and windows. Check for gaps around door frames and window sills and use weatherstripping or caulk to fill any cracks. You may also install storm doors or double-paned windows to reduce heat loss further.
The above tips can help you make your home more energy efficient and save money on utility bills. However, discipline and consistency are crucial to saving energy. You must be vigilant about conserving energy in your home daily to see the long-term benefits. Implementing these tips can also help reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect the environment.
