5 Home Improvements for Energy Savings
When considering home improvements, it’s important to think about other factors beyond just aesthetics. It may be worthwhile to consider energy saving features when thinking about home upgrades. Not only can it help improve the energy consumption rates in your home, but it also saves money in the long-run. Here are five home improvements you can make that will deliver guaranteed energy savings.
1. Insulation
One of the biggest changes that can impact your homes’ energy efficiency is insulation. Insulation acts as a barrier to help contain temperate air inside the home and keep the outside temperatures from seeping in. It ensures that a home stays warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer months. Always consult with a professional regarding insulation as they can assess your home and recommend the necessary changes.
2. Modern Dishwasher
If you have a dishwasher that is five to ten years old, it may not be very efficient. Purchasing a new one can increase your energy savings in water costs. Typically, a modern dishwasher will only use about 5 gallons per cycle, while some of the older models can go as high as 10 gallons. Think about how much money you would save in a month, let alone in a few years! The savings are well worth the investment in a new machine and its installation by a professional.
3. Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to program ideal temperatures for different times of the day in different areas of the home. It gives homeowners the ability to automatically adjust the temperatures based on when you are home most often or at any given time of the day. It can save you lots of money in the long run.
4. Weather Stripping or Window Replacement
Windows leaks are one of the biggest culprits of energy loss in homes. The average home can lose up to 30% of its cooling and heating through air leaks. Luckily, you have a few options when it comes to windows. You can consult with a professional and have them weather strip all of your windows. Or you can go a step further and purchase all new windows. Do consider that new windows will cost much more, but the efficiency is even greater. Although this can be a large upfront investment, you will know that for the next decade your windows will help you save thousands of dollars on energy costs.
5. Tankless Water Heater
Another big change that can be made is swapping out your standard water heater for a tankless one. For this, we would recommend waiting until your current model stops working before having a professional install a new one. Not only do they take up considerably less space, but they also save homeowners around 20% on their water bill. The best part, however, is the unlimited supply of hot water. The biggest difference is that the water supply is heated immediately, instead of storing it like a regular water tank. If you live with multiple people, who all take showers at the same time, this will be heavenly!
Contact us if you would like to learn more about energy saving features for your home. We are Energy Star Certified and would be happy to discuss your home improvement projects.
