We live in a time where we have an abundance of technology and information helping us to improve our homes. There are smart thermostats that can regulate the temperature in your home to keep us comfy 24 hours a day, smart lighting that turns itself off at certain times, and many other innovations. We can make sure that our homes are much more efficient by adding some technology and throwing in tried and true tools as well. Simple changes really can make a difference when making your home more energy efficient.
Starting a compost heap
For a lush garden without the use of harmful, chemical filled products, organic compost is the way to go. You don’t need a ton of space to start a compost pile. You can purchase bins that are specifically designed to create and store useful compost. Natural compost will add valuable nutrients and beneficial organisms into your soil, helping to create an environment that encourages healthy plant growth.
Composting also recycles your kitchen and yard waste, allowing it to decompose over time keeping it out of landfills. That, in turn, helps the environment overall.
Add energy efficient windows
You probably lose most of your homes efficiency through the windows. Heated air can escape in the winter and cool air in the summer. Because our windows are generally covered by blinds and curtains, we generally don’t even think about what’s going on in and around them. Take a closer look. Do you notice your drapes moving as if in a breeze? If you don’t have the window open and you notice that kind of movement, the air is coming from somewhere.
It’s possible it’s time to replace your existing windows. If your home is over 25 years old, it’s likely you have single pane windows. Adding double hung windows replacement, can reduce your energy costs at much as 20% depending on where you live. It’s absolutely worth the investment to replace those old windows.
Install Solar Panels
If you’re planning on keeping your home, investing in solar panels may be an investment worth making. Adding solar panels to your home is not an inexpensive proposition. You won’t see a short term return on your investment, but certainly will see a reduction in your monthly energy bills. You have to think of solar panels as a long term investment. If lots of people take advantage of being able to harness the natural power that comes from the sunshine, it could actually help with the pull on the electric grid and therefore may just help the entire community stay in the light during big energy use periods. This will help in lowering your carbon footprint.
Upgrade your HVAC system
Upgrading your HVAC system can help you save energy, reduce your utility bills, and enhance the air quality in your home. In addition, many improvements will pay for themselves in the long run due to energy savings. An upgrade can also raise the value of your home and extend the life of your HVAC system by decreasing wear and tear.
Add attic insulation
Your home’s heating and cooling costs will improve when you properly seal any leaks in your attic. The size of your home will determine how much insulation you need to cover your attic. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to blow in additional insulation into your attic is $1,505. This will in turn save you money on your utility bills. It will take some time, but the return on the investment will be well worth it. Plus your home will simply feel more comfortable.
Chose your contractors carefully
Before hiring just anyone to do your renovations, make sure you’ve done your research and are confident that everyone on the site knows energy-efficiency strategies. For example, you can hire contractors that you know their equipment is up to date and energy efficient; such as those who use electric hydraulic power units for their drilling site equipment. Speaking to friends and family for recommendations is a great way to get honest reviews of the contractors your considering.
Making some changes will save you money and helps save the earth’s resources.