Utility bills make up a huge chunk of most households’ monthly expenditure. And with rising energy prices, it is natural to look for smart ways to reduce utility costs. Among the various solutions available, one that stands out is making energy-saving home upgrades. Although these upgrades may require some planning and effort, they will certainly help reduce power consumption in the long run without compromising the residents’ comfort or convenience.
Switch to Energy-efficient Light Bulbs
When CFLs were first introduced in the market, they quickly became popular by using about 75% less energy. But fast forward to today, they are no longer the most efficient lighting solutions. The main issue with these old-school light bulbs is that they lose a lot of energy in the form of heat. As a result, they end up using a lot of electricity to illuminate the room.
Today, the ideal option for homeowners is to upgrade to LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. These bulbs do not require a warm-up period like CFLs and turn on instantly. They also produce minimal heat, meaning they do not waste a lot of electricity. Besides that, LED bulbs have a longer lifespan and can even be dimmed, increasing energy savings.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panel installation is one of the smartest upgrades homeowners can make to reduce utility bills. For those unaware, solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity. This means that upon installation, one’s reliance on the electricity supply from the grid will be reduced, consequently lowering energy bills. Homeowners are also eligible for a federal solar tax credit (around 30%) upon installing solar panels, which means even more savings.
Replace or Repair the Roof
An old, worn-out roof directly increases energy consumption. This is because such roofs let heat or cool air from inside easily escape, causing the HVAC systems to work harder to control the indoor temperature. In the long run, the HVAC unit could contribute to a higher utility bill and burn a hole in one’s monthly budget. So, repairing or replacing old roofs with more energy-efficient materials is one of the most essential upgrades to the house.
Those living in warmer areas can benefit from choosing metal or clay shingles for the new roof. Metal reflects sunlight to prevent heat from entering the house, while clay insulates heat. Both materials help keep the room cooler, preventing the cooling systems from overworking. Likewise, tile roofs are recommended for homes in cooler climates since they keep heat from escaping.
Seal the Windows and Air Cracks
Air gaps in windows can cause heat loss. Not to mention, they can let in the colder air from outdoors, increasing the load on the heating systems that keep the house warm. This is why checking for air gaps and sealing windows and doors is an important update homeowners must invest in.
Another home insulation improvement homeowners can consider is installing thicker windows. Double-paned windows, for instance, offer excellent insulation and keep the heat from escaping.
Install Motion Detector Lights
The lights in the yard and hallway need not always be kept on. These areas only need illumination when someone is present. That’s where motion detector lights come in handy. These lights automatically turn on upon detecting movement and turn off after a certain period of inactivity. This feature ensures electricity is not wasted lighting up unoccupied spaces.
Apart from hallways and the outdoors, these lighting solutions can be useful for driveways, porches, staircases, and corridors since they need illumination only occasionally. Besides reducing energy consumption, motion sensor lights add a layer of security by alerting residents to unexpected movement around the property.
Get New Appliances
Older appliances often consume more energy due to reduced efficiency and outdated technology. Replacing these with newer appliances is a smart change that can lead to substantial savings on energy and utility costs. When browsing the market for new appliances, one must especially consider models with ENERGY STAR ratings. These ratings are present on low-energy appliances that deliver high performance while using less electricity and water.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
An effective way of lowering energy consumption is to switch from a traditional thermostat to a smart one. Smart thermostats live up to their name, controlling the indoor temperature based on the occupants’ daily routines and outdoor weather conditions. They learn usage patterns and automatically adjust heating or cooling to maintain comfort while minimizing energy waste.
Many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, making it easier to manage settings even when away from home. Over time, this results in lower energy consumption and noticeable savings on utilities.
Besides these upgrades, homeowners can take other steps to increase energy efficiency, such as installing efficient water heaters, regularly changing the HVAC’s air filters, and utilizing natural light whenever possible.
