How Can I Make My Home More Energy-Efficient This Season?
Once the fall season arrives and people return to their usual routines, chances are they will be spending more time in their homes. Not to mention, this is the time of year when it starts to get dark earlier, so people are making more use of indoor and outdoor lighting. Both factors can mean that homeowners will use more energy – and that means an increase in utility bills.
Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills? If so, you are not alone. Most homeowners are interested in making their homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. But where do you start? In this article, we will share five simple and effective tips that can help you save energy and money at home.
5 Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners
You might be wondering if making your home more energy-efficient is a big expense. While there are some costs involved, there are steps you can take that will not break the bank. Here are five tips that can help you save energy, and will not cost a fortune:
- Switch to LED Light Bulbs: One of the easiest and cheapest ways to save energy is to replace your old incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs with LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. LED bulbs come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can find the right one for your lighting needs.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps for Better Insulation: Another way to save energy is to improve the insulation of your home. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by preventing heat loss or gain through the walls, ceiling, windows, and doors. You can seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors with caulk, weatherstripping, or foam spray. You can also add insulation to your attic, basement, or crawl space.
- Use Appliances Wisely: Appliances account for about 13 percent of the average household’s energy use. You can save energy by using appliances that have the ENERGY STAR label. You can also save energy by using appliances wisely, such as washing clothes in cold water, running full loads of dishes or laundry, and cleaning the lint filter of your dryer.
- Choose a Programmable Thermostat: Heating and cooling are the biggest energy expenses for most homes. You can save energy by installing a programmable thermostat that allows you to set different temperatures for various times of the day and days of the week. Additionally, there are smart thermostats on the market today that can learn your preferences and adjust automatically based on your schedule and weather conditions.
- Maintain Heating & Cooling Equipment: Did you know that you can help your air conditioning and heating systems work more efficiently by getting regular maintenance? By choosing a planned maintenance agreement, you’ll rest assured knowing that your heating and cooling systems will receive regular check-ups and tune-ups, helping them operate at their most effective and efficient.
Empire can help you make sure your HVAC system is operating efficiently.
At Empire, we work hard to make sure our customers are enjoying the best possible comfort, as well as saving energy. If you need new HVAC equipment, we can provide you with heating and cooling that is not only effective but highly energy efficient as well. We will make sure your current system is running efficiently by providing you with the annual maintenance you need. And, we can help you get energy-saving devices like programmable and smart thermostats.
If you would like to save energy in your home this season and all year through, just give us a call at 404.294.0900. We will be more than happy to discuss our products and services with you and schedule an appointment with you today!