Energy-efficient homes are on the rise and everyone seems to be looking for one. As a homeowner, you probably already know how much it costs to run a home, and how much of that is energy-related. Energy-efficient homes, on the other hand, make it easier to own a home, and it will cost much less to run. If your home isn’t already energy-efficient, there is no need to panic. You can turn your current home into an energy-efficient one with a few alterations, or upgrades. Here are the 5 best energy-efficient upgrades you can make to your home:
Install A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat gives you greater control over the temperature of your home. You get to choose when the thermostat is active, usually during the hours when you are home. Controlling when your thermostat is active and when it isn’t, it reduces the power you consume on temperature control. You also get to set the desired room temperature, with the thermostat requiring less power to maintain the temperature, as opposed to running unchecked. Programmable thermostats are a recent development and one that will come in as a handy addition to your home in terms of energy efficiency.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
One way of reducing your power consumption is to replace your appliances with energy-efficient models. Energy-efficient appliances such as Televisions, water heaters, and air conditioners, all have models that are designed to require less power. The more you use a particular appliance, the more power it will consume. It is therefore advised that you change the appliances you use most frequently to energy-efficient models. You may not be able to change every appliance in your home as it may prove to be too expensive. Once you can change the most frequently used appliances, you can reduce your power consumption significantly and improve energy efficiency.
Install A Solar System
One way to reduce your power consumption in your home is to install a solar system. By installing solar panels in your home, you generate some power yourself, as opposed to relying solely on the power grid. You will, in turn, reduce your power consumption, as far as your local distributor is concerned, even without having to make any changes to your power usage habits. With solar panels, the amount of power you are generating in your home is dependent on the number of solar panels and batteries you install. Installing power alone isnt enough, however, especially if you are simply going to lose the power to excessive usage. You are still advised to implement other procedures to help ensure that you get the best out of the solar system.
Use Energy Efficient Bulbs
In terms of energy consumption in a home, lighting carries the most power in most instances. Certain bulbs require and consume more power, especially older bulbs, causing your energy consumption and power bill to be high. Recent bulbs are less demanding in terms of power and still produce the same or better output than older bulbs. One reservation most people have as regards switching to recent bulbs is that they tend to be more expensive than older ones. The power-saving capacity of energy-saving bulbs negates any reservations, as you will find it to be more economical in the long term, reducing your monthly power bill significantly. Here are included LED grow lights as well, which are used for indoor plants.
An Extra Layer Of Insulation
Insulation is essential in every home to prevent heat loss, especially when you are in a region where heat is essential. With as much as 40% of heat being lost from most homes, almost half of the energy used in heating is lost. Insulation will help to reduce heat loss, while also reducing the amount of heat you require in your home. To get the best out of insulating your home, you will need to focus it on certain rooms in the house. The attic is one of the rooms where heat is lost most, so you can focus insulation here, and greatly reduce your heat loss. With reduced heat loss and less power required in heating, you increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Conclusion
The energy usage of your home will determine how much you spend on power. The less efficient your energy usage, the higher your power bill. With a few targeted upgrades in your home, you can make it more energy-efficient.
