Making your home more energy efficient is kinder to the planet and kinder to your bank balance. In fact, improving energy efficiency in all aspects of life can add substantially to your bottom line. With that in mind, here are five tips to make your home more energy efficient. Some are quick and easy. Some require more investment, but all are definitely worth considering.
Install a Dehumidifier in Your Crawl Space
All crawl spaces need to be properly ventilated. There are two main ways of doing this. One is the “supply-air method”. The other is to use a dehumidifier. The “supply-air method” requires little upfront investment, but is a little tricky to make it effective and increases long-term running costs. It is also less efficient than a proper crawl-space dehumidifier. The most cost effective way of improving energy efficiency is to encapsulate your crawl space and add a good dehumidifier.
Upgrade your Underlay
If and when you consider installing new flooring in your home, be sure to include a high quality underlayment product. Not only does this additional thin layer absorb sound and improve cushioning, it provides a “vapor barrier” preventing moisture from seeping through and improves energy efficiency. If it’s going to be a while before you replace your floors, invest in area rugs that will do the same.
Check Doors and Windows Regularly
It’s not unusual for buildings to move slightly from time to time. When they do, slight gaps in window- and door-frames can appear. Generally, it’s easy to seal these. The quicker you are about blocking the resultant draft, the more energy efficient your home will be and the more money you can save.
When it comes time to replace windows and doors, look for energy-efficient options. When replacing doors, also consider wheelchair accessibility. Being able to use doors conveniently from a wheelchair means wheelchair users can get in and out quickly. This helps to reduce heat transfer and, hence, improves energy efficiency.
Wheelchair-accessibility can also make it easier for seniors to go on living in their own homes. This may benefit you directly. Even if it doesn’t it can be a huge sales point. For example, families who’ve had dealings with nursing home attorneys may be desperate for a senior-friendly home.
There’s also a strong need for wheelchair-accessible homes for younger adults too. Some younger adults will use wheelchairs themselves. Many will have relatives who do and that number is growing all the time.
Upgrade Your Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are noticeably more expensive to buy than traditional ones. They are, however, substantially more economical to run. If you are on a budget, but would like to begin to improve energy efficiency in your home, focus on high-traffic areas. Those will usually be the places where lights are most used and will provide the best return on your investment.
In addition, harness solar power as much as you can. Solar powered garden lighting is very economical. It also eliminates the need for outdoor outlets and cabling. Choosing lights with motion-sensors that only activate when they’re actually needed can save even more energy.
Smarten Up Your Home
Many smart appliances will genuinely save you hassle. They can also make your life more convenient. Often, these two facts are linked. For example, smart LED bulbs can be operated remotely.
This means you need never have a light on in an empty room again – unless you want to. For example, you might want to use lighting to make your home seem occupied. Smart LED lights can do this much more efficiently than old-school timers.
