Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be a daunting, time-consuming task. There are a number of small changes you can make that will have a big impact. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Get a home energy audit. Many utility companies offer this service for free. An energy auditor will come to your home and assess how energy-efficient it is. They will provide you with a report that details where your home is wasting energy and what you can do to improve things.
2. Make sure your home is well-insulated. This is one of the most important things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and floors. If it’s not up to par, consider adding more.
3. Seal up any air leaks. Your home can lose a lot of heat (and cool air in the summer) through gaps and cracks. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal up any air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings.
4. Use energy-efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last 10 times longer. When it’s time to replace your light bulbs, make the switch to CFLs.
5. Use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills. Set it to lower the temperature when you’re away from home or asleep.
6. Educate your family about energy efficiency. Your family’s daily habits can have a big impact on your home’s energy usage. Teach your kids to turn off lights when they leave a room and to unplug electronics when they’re not using them.
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By making a few small changes, you can have a big impact.