{"id":138851,"date":"2022-06-04T08:00:02","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T12:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=138851"},"modified":"2024-12-30T13:19:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T18:19:04","slug":"energy-efficient-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/energy-efficient-home\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for a More Energy-Efficient Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Energy-efficient home improvements, even small changes, can lead to a more sustainable home and significant cost savings. From budget-friendly window coverings to additional insulation or new appliances, a range of options are available and can make a real difference in your home\u2019s energy consumption. Below, we reveal some of our favorite tips for creating a more energy-efficient home.<\/p>\n

\"\"Use More Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs<\/strong><\/p>\n

There has been a widespread movement toward swapping incandescent light bulbs for LED versions. This quick fix allows you to immediately make your home more energy-efficient, as the new LED light bulbs \u201cuse up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs,\u201d according to the experts at Better <\/a>Homes<\/a> & Gardens<\/a><\/u><\/em>. As a bonus, the longer-lasting bulbs will save you cash over time in replacement costs. You may also want to audit your overhead lighting and table lamps. Not all areas of your home require bulbs boasting the same wattage. Changing a brighter bulb for a more intimate glow where it is effective can also yield noticeable energy savings.<\/p>\n

Apply Low-Emissivity Film to Windows<\/strong><\/p>\n

While many new windows have embedded coatings to help protect against the heat and ultraviolet rays that flow into the home, older ones rarely have this feature. Enter low-E film. As The Spruce<\/a><\/u><\/em> explains: \u201cLow-E films usually contain metal or metal oxide as the material that counteracts the UV rays.\u201d In addition, the Magazine<\/a><\/u> reports: \u201cManufacturers often state that low-E films reflect between 70- and 80-percent of solar heat gain in the summer or conserve over 50-percent of interior heat in the winter.\u201d\u00a0And because it reduces the amount of UV light that comes into your home, the product eases the amount of sun damage to your artwork, furniture, and rugs. This coated plastic film is easy to apply. It\u2019s available in rolls and can be cut to fit your windows, no matter their shape. It\u2019s a quick way to create a more energy-efficient home without the higher cost of installing new double-paned windows.<\/p>\n

Wash Laundry in Cold Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

Washing laundry in cold water may seem like it goes against all of our early teachings, especially when cleaning white fabrics. But many detergents are now formulated for cold water loads. Merely turning the setting to cold takes seconds, but it yields measurable savings, as \u201cup to 90 percent of energy spent on washing goes towards heating the water,\u201d according to the pros at Real Simple<\/a><\/u><\/em>. As for drying your clothing, if you live in an area like Southern California that rarely sees rain, consider hanging your clothes outside to line dry. You can also set up line drying systems inside your utility room or an airy room in your apartment. If that isn\u2019t feasible, ensure that your dryer has a full load before hitting start.<\/p>\n

Lower the Water Temperature<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check your water heater\u2019s thermostat. As Better <\/a>Homes<\/a> & Gardens<\/a><\/u><\/em> explains, \u201cmost water heaters are set much too high at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.\u201d If this is the case, consider lowering the temperature by 20 to 30 degrees. The Magazine<\/a><\/u> reassures that even with this change, \u201cthe water will still be comfortable.\u201d And you\u2019ll see the savings in terms of the amount of energy needed to run the unit and in your pocketbook, whether you use gas or electric to power your water heater.<\/p>\n

\"\"Set a Programmable Thermostat<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking of thermostats, adjusting your home\u2019s programmable thermostat is another quick and effective way to achieve a more energy-efficient home. This easy fix isn\u2019t just about raising your home\u2019s cooling system a few degrees or lowering your heat in the winter. Better <\/a>Homes<\/a> & Gardens<\/a><\/u><\/em> applauds the fact that programmable thermostats allow \u201cyou to set times for the air-conditioner or furnace to run and won\u2019t waste energy on an empty house.\u201d The Magazine<\/a><\/u> also loves that this small change can \u201csave about 10% on your energy bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Monitor Your Refrigerator<\/strong><\/p>\n

Minor adjustments to your refrigerator or freezer can help you along the way to a more energy-efficient home. Start monitoring your refrigerator and freezer settings to ensure that you aren\u2019t keeping the settings too cold. Real Simple<\/a><\/u><\/em> reveals: \u201cRecommended temperatures are 35\u00b0 to 38\u00b0F for the fresh food compartment and 0\u00b0F for freezers\u2014anything colder means wasted energy.\u201d How you store your leftovers may be critical to how your refrigerator operates. According to the Magazine<\/a><\/u>, just covering liquids and wrapping up leftover foods will give your compressor a break. When left uncovered, food and beverages can release moisture that may force your compressor to work harder than necessary. Lastly, check to be sure that your refrigerator and freezer doors seal tightly. If not, replacing the seal is an affordable way to get your refrigerator running optimally.<\/p>\n

Seal the Gaps<\/strong><\/p>\n

The average house or apartment loses considerable heat or air conditioning through gaps around windows and doors. In homes, cracks throughout the attic or basement can create air leaks that force your HVAC system to work overtime. Start by applying weather stripping around doors to help create a stronger seal. As a bonus, the weather stripping will dampen sound, so jarring slamming noises also will be cut to a minimum. Add caulking to your windows and any cracks you find.<\/p>\n

The experts tell Real Simple<\/a><\/u><\/em> that \u201c\u2018ducts are also a common source of leaks, so have your contractor look for holes, tears, and other signs of leaking ducts and seal them.\u2019\u201d You may want a contractor to check your chimney and plumbing stack for energy drains, as well. These basic changes are not only energy-efficient home upgrades, but they\u2019ll result in a more comfortable home no matter what the season.<\/p>\n

Replace Filters and Tune Up Your HVAC<\/strong><\/p>\n

When was the last time your HVAC system was checked by a licensed professional? Has your HVAC filter been in place for more than three months? Better <\/a>Homes<\/a> & Gardens<\/a><\/u><\/em> cautions that \u201ca dirty filter increases your energy bill and shortens the life of your heating and cooling systems.\u201d You can help by bringing in a professional to check your systems every year to verify that they are working at peak efficiency. Meanwhile, simply washing or replacing your HVAC filter every three months will improve your air quality and extend the life of your system.<\/p>\n

Add Eco-Friendly Home Insulation<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not unusual for older homes to be under-insulated, which forces your HVAC system to work harder to keep the temperature at a comfortable level for you and your family. Upgrading insulation in the attic floor and inside the walls can go a long way toward creating a more energy-efficient home. With this in mind, the editors at The Spruce<\/a><\/u><\/em> began investigating several eco-friendly options that you may want to consider. Fiberglass (aka glass wool), mineral wool, sheep\u2019s wool, polyisocyanurate panels, denim insulation, and cellulose insulation have all gotten high marks from the Magazine<\/a><\/u>\u2019s experts.<\/p>\n

\"\"Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Appliances<\/strong><\/p>\n

Better <\/a>Homes<\/a> & Gardens<\/a><\/u><\/em> reports: \u201cMajor appliances are your home\u2019s third-biggest energy hog, behind heating, cooling, and water heating.\u201d\u00a0This means that older, inefficient appliances are likely to be pulling too much energy when operating, and your repair bills may be mounting. If you have been thinking about making a change, and have the budget to do so, start reviewing appliances that have an Energy Star label because, as The Spruce<\/a><\/u><\/em> reveals, \u201cappliances carrying the Energy Star rating typically are 10 percent to 20 percent more energy efficient than non-rated models.\u201d\u00a0As there is an array of Energy Star products, review the Energy Guide label for all new large appliances to get more insight on how much that appliance will draw under normal usage. It also will help you determine the energy and cost savings you\u2019ll enjoy as you invest in these more environmentally friendly products.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"