7 Steps to an Energy Efficient Home

Photo by Vivint Solar

Originally Posted On: https://www.momdoesreviews.com/2020/08/31/7-steps-to-an-energy-efficient-home/

Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. In addition to this, increasing your home’s energy efficiency can substantially reduce your fuel bills and enable you to save a considerable amount of money in the long-term.

If you’re moving to a new property and want to consider your impact on the environment, why not opt for a zero-energy home? With savvy design and construction, zero-energy properties enable you to transform your lifestyle and commit to reducing your carbon footprint completely.

Of course, you don’t have to move into a new property or make major changes in order to be more energy efficient. In fact, there are numerous, hassle-free changes you can make which will have a major impact on your carbon footprint. For inspiration, take a look at these 7 steps and start creating an energy efficient home today:

1. Install Solar Panels

When you have access to renewable energy, such as solar power, you can reduce or eliminate the need for fossil fuels. Solar panels can be obtained relatively cheaply, and you won’t face high costs in order to have them professionally installed. When you choose a reputable firm, like Iowa Solar, you can be sure that your new energy source will be installed safely and securely. In addition to this, using professional installers allows you to benefit from the advice and information they can offer.

Remember – you don’t need high levels of sunshine in order to generate solar power. Solar panels can convert the sun’s rays into energy, even when it’s overcast and dull. Furthermore, solar energy can be stored until it’s needed, so don’t panic about not having enough energy during the Fall or Winter months.

2. Air Sealing the Property

Air sealing your home is a highly effective way to make it more energy efficient. By preventing air leaks, you ensure that the property retains heat and prevents cold air from entering when you want to stay warm and cozy. Conversely, air sealing also retains cool air and stops heat from entering the property when you’re trying to escape hot temperatures outside.

If you’re having a new property built from the ground up, be sure to factor in air sealing during the design phase. Similarly, if your property is being modified or extended, you can ensure that various methods of air sealing are used to increase energy efficiency.

However, you can air seal your current home too. A visual assessment or building pressurization test will help you to determine where the air leaks are situated in the property and you can then take action to resolve them. In some cases, simply adding weather stripping to doors and windows will negate air leaks and transform the energy efficiency of your home.

It’s important to note that buildings do require ventilation, so don’t cover up any in-built ventilation devices that are designed to keep your home free from damp and mold.

3. Enhance Your Insulation

If your property has too little insulation or is fitted with poor quality insulation, it’s going to have a dramatic impact on your carbon footprint. You’ll struggle to keep your home warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer, which means you’ll have your heating and air conditioning systems on for longer. As well as lowering your energy efficiency, this means you’ll be spending more than you need to on utility bills.

Fortunately, installing energy efficient insulation or replacing existing insulation with an alternative can transform the environment. Most buildings are insulated in the attic area and/or in the walls. If you have a below-ground space, such as a cellar or attic, you’ll need to find appropriate insulation methods for this too.

4. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

In today’s modern world, we rely on appliances to complete tasks for us. From your refrigerator to your washing machine, every appliance requires some form of power. As our awareness of the environment and climate change has increased, manufacturers have strived to make products more energy efficient. Of course, the lower running costs associated with energy efficient appliances had made them attractive to homeowners too.

The ENERGY STAR® program makes it easy to compare the energy efficiency of products before you buy them. By keeping this in mind and making it a determining factor when choosing goods and appliances, you can opt to use energy efficient products in your home. While the total energy usage of your dishwasher may not seem like too big a deal, you’d be surprised at the difference it can make, particularly when you assess energy usage over a year. When viewed in conjunction with other appliances and products, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to choose zero-energy or low-energy appliances around the home.

5. Replace Your Windows

If your windows were installed some time ago, they’re probably not as green as they could be. Today’s technology means that window manufacturers are producing glass that has a significant impact on energy efficiency. With thermal coatings, for example, windows can retain heat or cool air more effectively. In addition, properties in hotter areas can benefit from windows with coatings that repel the majority of the heat in the sun’s rays. This keeps the inside of the building cooler and allows for better energy efficiency.

Choosing energy efficient windows is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your property but don’t forget about the doors. Whether you favor standard, bi-fold, or tri-fold door styles, selecting an energy efficient model will make a big difference when it comes to the overall energy efficiency of your home.

6. Install a Fresh Air Supply

If air sealing and weather stripping have reduced ventilation in your home, you can improve air quality by installing a fresh air supply. Heat recovery ventilation systems or energy recovery ventilation systems are known for being energy efficient. By using the heat from extracted air to keep your home warm, these systems reduce waste and enable you to ventilate your home without negating its energy efficiency.

7. Switch to Low-Flow Plumbing

Heating water requires a considerable amount of energy, which can have an adverse impact on your home’s carbon footprint. Of course, the less hot water you need, the less energy you’ll be using. While replacing your hot water system with something more environmentally friendly might be your ultimate aim, you can reduce the amount of water you use in the meantime by switching to low-flow plumbing options.

Low-flow showerheads and taps can be obtained relatively cheaply, and many homeowners will be able to fit them without assistance. While you’ll still get a powerful enough flow to ensure your shower and taps function effectively, you’ll reduce the amount of water you use and the amount of energy required to keep it hot.

As we learn more about climate change and its impact on the environment, it’s becoming more apparent that we need to make changes to the way we live in order to help the planet. With demand for low or zero-energy homes and products increasing, building firms and manufacturers are designing a whole range of innovative materials to address the problem.

This makes it easier than ever to embrace an energy efficient lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint. By choosing to make energy efficiency a top priority in your household, you can ensure that everyone gets involved and enjoys the process of switching to a more sustainable way of living.