Taking care of our homes can also inadvertently take care of our world. That’s a fact that most of us are aware of, but don’t really think about too often. That said, there’s always ways to better our home and in fact, here are 10 of them. From geothermal heating systems to seeking professional advice, here are 10 tips on how to make your home more energy efficient.
- Solar Panels
The first idea to consider is to invest in solar panels. You can use these panels to keep your home moving with natural energy. Even if you don’t use it as your main source of electricity, the solar energy will kick in if the first source ever goes out. You can not only lower your carbon footprint, but you can also lower your electric bill. - Turn Off/Unplug Things
The next idea is one that is a classic in conversations that this (and for a good reason). It would be best if you always turned off electrics that you aren’t using. And even better, if those electronics are off, you might a well unplug them and make sure that no residual electricity is being used. Again, it’s all about the carbon footprint and your savings. - Geothermal Heating Systems
Another idea would be to invest in geothermal heating systems. Geothermal heating systems are great because they are new and more improved than any boilers or furnace you may have installed now. Due to the fact that heating from these systems can reduce circulating temperature that eventually loops,you’d end up saving more than if you kept your old system. - Insulated Wall
But how do you keep all of that warm air in? You must make sure that there are no crack in the walls. Literally. Keeping a home properly insulated means that there are not gaps in which cold air can get in and warm are can get out. The same goes for the reverse when in the warmer seasons. If your walls aren’t properly insulated you could be losing money on your heating/cooling systems because of this unnecessary air flow. - Windows Too
The same idea goes for your windows. Make sure that you can get all of the cracks and crevices in your window filled up. This can make it so your rooms aren’t get that air that you don’t want to get. Plus, those small holes can open up an insect invasion that definitely will upset the family. Keep your home protected with secured windows. - Use Tax Incentives
Of course, all if this talk of “Get this,” “Buy this,” can sound hard on the wallet. One way to get around that is to use your tax incentives. That right, there are some federal tax incentives that can help you upgrade your home to be energy efficient. This can found for the insulation, the air conditioning/heating, and even more. - Use Fans
Once you’ve got that settled out, you can also consider getting something more retro, but also effective. You can consider buying some fans to help circulate the air. This could be standing fans we’ve all grown accustom to, but it could also be ceiling fans. By installing one you not only have a fan for cooling down the house, but you can also reverse the blade direction and suddenly move the heat around too. - Replace Bathroom Appliances
Now, let’s take a second to look at the bathroom. What can we fix in there? There are in fact three sources of water that could be upgraded to save water. That is in fact the faucet, the shower head, and the toilet. Upgrade to a faucet that will automatically turn off after a few seconds of use, a shower head that can have low pressure, and a toilet that has low and high flush options. - Use Shade Efficiently
Another idea to consider would be to use shading. Plant Trees and Shrubs that can add lots of shading to your home and cool the place down. - Get An Energy Audit
If you’re still unsure what you can do, you should call a professional to help. An auditor can see where your energy is being used and how to be more efficient.
Your home can be improved, use these tips to start figuring out how to do it. Research more here. More info like this.