Homeowner guide to energy efficiency
Having a “green” lifestyle has become less of a fad and more of a sensible one over the last few decades. In addition to preventing endangered species and taking care of unique habitats, it is essential to ensure our food is healthy for all.
In addition to being more ecologically friendly than ever before, a very simple and easy way to do so is to make our homes more energy-efficient. Take a look at this guide to find out how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and “green” options by making a few improvements to your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Heating and Cooling Efficiency
1. HVAC Systems That Are Energy-Efficient
When was the last time you purchased a new air conditioner? SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, may be worth checking if it was installed more than six or seven years ago. In order to comply with the new energy efficiency standards set by the EPA, HVAC systems with a SEER rating of less than 14.5 no longer qualify.
A new system with a SEER rating of between 20 and 25 can be considered one of the best systems on the market today. The cost of a new air conditioner may initially seem prohibitive, but in the long run you’ll enjoy cleaner air, better humidity control and lower energy bills.
2. Ductwork
Keeping your air ducts clean, insulated, and maintained can also help lower energy costs stemming from your AC. No matter what you already know or not know, air ducts are often filled with dust, debris, and allergens that can accumulate and cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to to circulate clean air throughout your home.
It would be best if you had your air ducts thoroughly cleaned, your insulation checked to ensure optimum cooling efficiency, and regular maintenance performed by an HVAC professional.
3. Don’t overuse your air conditioner.
Despite what might seem like a no-brainer, it is surprising how many people (especially those in South Florida) keep their air conditioners running all day long. You can reduce your cooling costs by adjusting your programmable thermostat settings to make it run less often when there are no people present.
By closing more curtains and blinds during the hottest and sunniest parts of the day, you can also limit the use of your air conditioner. You’ll use less energy and save money on your utility bills by keeping your home cooler naturally (and without electricity! ).
Electrical Efficiency Tips
1. Always turn everything off when not in use.
Switching on the lights and turning off the appliances can save electricity. It is not uncommon for power cords and devices to remain idle when electronics are set to “off” rather than fully shut off. In order to use best practices, it is best to turn off your power strips and major electronic appliances (think: TVs, computers, etc. ), or unplug them from the wall if they are not in use.
2. Shop for ENERGY STAR products to help save energy.
You may not be aware that electronics labeled with the Energy Star symbol can help you reduce your electricity consumption by up to 75 percent? In the long run, this option will save you energy and money, although it might initially seem expensive. From refrigerators, air conditioners, and clothes washers and dryers, ENERGY STAR-certified products for your home can help you cut utility bills and reduce air pollution.
Useful links : Thermal imaging services of buildings
3. Change the light bulbs in your home to save energy and reduce air pollution.
The efficiency of your home can easily be improved by switching all of the light fixtures to LED bulbs. This is another very easy way to improve the efficiency of your home. Light emitting diode bulbs are extremely energy efficient than older traditional light bulbs. Typically, they last ten times longer than compact fluorescents or incandescents while also using 30 percent less energy!
It might seem expensive at first, but its benefits will soon outweigh its drawbacks, especially considering how much money you will be able to save in the long run and how eco-friendly it is.
Environmentally conscious homeowners should follow these plumbing tips:
1. Water heaters that use less energy
The water heater has improved significantly in the last few years to meet the energy efficiency requirements of homeowners. As regular water heaters have evolved with new technology, tankless water heaters are another exciting option for homeowners. In addition to taking up less space, tankless heaters are also more energy efficient and can save you over $20 a year on average.
2. Get Rid of Old Faucets and Showerheads
It’s been a while since you replaced your faucets and showerheads, so when was the last time you did that? The plumbing system of your house may be a prominent cause of excess water consumption and high water bills if your home is a few decades old and contains many of the original parts installed during the initial construction.
Whenever you turn off a faucet or showerhead, water drips even when the water is shut off. Replace these products first. Generally speaking, you might want to invest in low-flow faucets for your kitchen and bath, as well as high-quality showerheads that provide flexibility for a variety of settings.
3. Check and understand your outdoor water system
The United States is known for having a significant focus on lawns and landscaping, so it’s no surprise that outdoor water use accounts for nearly 30 percent of the water consumed. It’s essential to make sure that your irrigation system is as efficient as possible, in addition to cutting back on how often you water your lawn. A professional can take a look at your system to see if there are any eco-friendly settings or if there are any potential issues.
Thank you for taking a look at our guide of energy efficiency tips for the homeowner. We hope that you can apply these tips to save energy costs. You can find more articles on our site regarding energy, thermal imaging, and how it can help you with energy efficiency.
