5 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

 

Reducing energy use is not only good for the environment, it is also good for your wallet. Improving home efficiency has many benefits, but it can get very pricey. Upgrades, renovations to insulation, roof and windows are all pretty expensive updates. However, some of the most cost-effective ways to lower utility bills have a significant impact on both sustainability, savings and home comfort. Making small improvements could lower your household's utility bills by 5 to 30 percent each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar Art makes homes more energy efficient everyday and came up with five home improvements are both budget friendly and effective:

 

 

Installing solar film to your windows can not only greatly reduce heat, but your cooling costs as well. Solar film will lower the amount of solar energy that passes through the glass panes of your windows. All window film blocks 99.9% of harmful UVA and UVB rays and can reduce up to 63% of heat entering a space. Investing in window film may also qualify you for a rebate from your local utilities provider. 

 

 

Leaky ducts can reduce the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system by 20 percent or more. Duct sealing is a relatively simple upgrade which can stop the costly impact of leaks on your utilities bill. Duct sealing can also improve interior air quality and reduce the health and safety risks associated with dangerous "backdrafting" occurrences where carbon monoxide and other combustion gases are pulled into the home. Energy Star reports this upgrade often pays for itself in savings, even though it may require the help of a heating and cooling contractor.

 

 

Did you know replacing just five of your home's light fixtures or bulbs with Energy Star-certified options can save 9 percent on your annual electricity bill? That's a national average of $75 savings a year. Consider buying energy efficient bulbs that typically cost just $10 or less. You'll definitely end up saving way more than you spend the first year with this simple switch.  

 

 

If your water heater is an older model that feels warm when you touch it, you may be a great candidate for insulation. Many newer tanks are insulated and don't require efficiency upgrades to prevent water inside the tank from being cooled by surrounding air. Using electrical tape and cost-effective, blanket-like products for water heater insulation from the home improvement store can make this affordably to complete this project without any professional assistance. For less than $30, you could save up to 16 percent on water heating costs each year.

 

Air leaks can occur around doors and windows, especially in older homes without recent energy efficient window upgrades. While major leak issues may need the help of a contractor, many individuals don't need any outside help to seal leaks with a caulking gun and it only takes about an hour to do. Energy Star estimates this upgrade gives an average of 10 to 20 percent savings on your utilities.

 

Regardless of whether you're motivated by saving on utilities or sustainability, small changes to your home can really add up in terms of dollars saved and ecological impact. If every U.S. home replaced just one light bulb with an energy-efficient option, it would save enough energy to light three million homes for a year. Changes like sealing upgrades or adding solar film to your windows can have a huge impact on costs, comfort and your carbon footprint. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of solar film for your home, contact Solar Art today for a free quote!