Being a homeowner is one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs on the planet. As a homeowner, your main goal needs to be keeping your residence efficient and appealing. On average, homes in America use over 44% of all of the electricity produced each year. If your energy bills are getting out of control, it is time to take action.
Using eco-energy solutions not only helps you save money; they also allow you to help the environment. There are tons of eco-friendly home solutions on the market, which means choosing the right one can be challenging. Here are some of the eco-energy home solutions you need to think about using.
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1. Solar Water Heaters are a Good Investment
Most Homeowners are surprised to learn just how much electricity their water heater consumes. Older water heaters can lead to larger electricity bills, which is why finding a modern solution that heats water and doesn’t waste energy is important. If you are tired of taking lukewarm showers, or if your water heater is making a noise, then it may be time to invest in a solar water heater.
Read also: Gas vs Electric Water Heater
By using the power of the sun, you can adequately heat the water in your home consistently. Investing in one of these water heaters allows you to reduce energy consumption and replenish your hot water supply in a hurry. Trying to install one of these water heaters yourself is a bad idea. Hiring professionals familiar with solar-powered appliances can save you a headache down the road.
If you are trying to increase the energy savings you receive, then be sure to check your current energy rates. States like Texas have deregulated the power production industry. This means that consumers are able to get lower prices. If you want to compare electricity for Grand Prairie, TX, be sure to visit the Texas Electricity Plans website.
It also might be a good idea to read about the differences between furnaces and water heaters.
2. Find Sources of Waste With Energy Monitors
Using technology to reduce the energy needs your home has is a great idea. Luckily, there are a number of devices and programs you can use to accomplish this goal. An energy monitor is one of the best pieces of technology you can add to your home when trying to make it environmentally-friendly.
These monitors are fed information about your energy consumption via a clip that is attached to the power lines. With this data, you can tell where spikes in energy usage occur and pinpoint the cause of this spike. Working with an electrician is a great way to figure out how to use the information provided by an energy monitor for maximum savings.
3. Consider Investing in New Windows
Living in an older home is something millions of Americans do. These old homes can be architecturally stunning, but they can also be very inefficient. If your home’s windows are old and drafty, they need to be replaced immediately. These drafty windows will put a lot of strain on your HVAC unit and can lead to higher than normal energy bills. Choosing the right replacement windows will require the help of a professional.
Not only can a professional help you choose the right replacement windows, they can also install them. In most cases, DIY window installs will lead to lots of long-term issues. This is why hiring professionals with the experience to do this work is so important. The money you pay them for this help will be worth it considering the money it can save you long-term.
4. Insulate Your Home Properly
When a house is well-insulated, it holds heat inside. As a result, you won’t have to waste energy in order to reheat your living space over and over again. Not only this smart tactic help you save money, but it will also protect the environment. It’s a good idea to start by insulating the walls and the roof first. Apart from that, make sure to cover all the hardwood floors with area rugs. As heat is capable of leaking through the cracks in your floor, this solution is effective and at the same time stylish. Speaking of insulation, read our guide on insulating garage ceiling rafters as well.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs
One of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption as well as electricity bill, while also being environmentally friendly, is switching to the right kind of bulbs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are excellent and more energy-efficient alternatives to traditional incandescent bulbs. People used to complain that they didn’t emit enough light, but improvements in technology fixed this issue. Another upside of using CFLs lies in the fact that their lifespan is considerably longer than that of traditional bulbs, which is why they don’t have to be replaced as often. That’s another cost-efficient and eco-friendly feature that makes these lamps a must.
It’s Time to Get to Work!
Using one or more of the eco-energy solutions mentioned in this article can be beneficial. The right tools and equipment can make your home more energy-efficient.
If you have a rental property, take a look at this rental maintenance checklist for landlords as well.
