7 Energy Efficient Home Improvement Upgrades.pdf (327 KB) By: James Witts Kermit the Frog was wrong when he sang “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” It’s not difficult to be green and to save a lot of green in the process. An energy-efficient home will save you money and conserve resources for future generations. Going green is also an excellent excuse for giving your home that stylish upgrade. Here are seven ways to make your home more energy efficient this year. Install New Windows Drafty windows are a significant problem when it comes to zapping energy from your home. Older windows can cause either cold or warm air to enter or leave your home. Replace old windows with double pane vinyl windows to conserve energy. Updating windows will also increase the resale value of your home. For an even more, energy efficient option, consider triple pane windows that can save you money in the long-run. Spray Insulation If you notice your attic is super cold in the winter or that your bedroom never seems to warm up, you may have an insulation problem. Insulation is essential when keeping your home protected from the outside elements. Without proper insulation, you’ll end up wasting energy from heating and cooling costs. It can also create more serious plumbing and electrical problems during the winter. Consider spray insulation that’s easy to install and doesn’t need the use of fiberglass. Outdoor Lighting Keeping your home well lit during the night is an excellent way to deter intruders or pesky neighborhood animals. Install energy efficient bulbs or solar lights. Solar powered flood lights are useful in dark areas. Motion sensors will activate the light only when needed. Solar powered pathway lights keep walkways safe and provide a beautiful ambiance to your yard. Xeriscaping Another great way to cut down on energy costs is to xeriscape a part of the lawn. Xeriscaping is a recent landscaping trend that uses local native plants and organic mulches like stone or bark dust. These areas need little to no extra water which can reduce your water bill. Native plants also don’t need much maintenance which can save you time as well. Cutting down on your lawn’s size also helps save energy when considering watering and mowing costs for weekly lawn care. Install Low-flow Faucets and Shower Heads. Tired of pouring money down the drain? It’s surprising how much you save with faucets and shower heads that limit the flow of water. You’ll find yourself using half the water to take a shower and brush your teeth. Smart Technology You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to installing smart technology to keep your home energy efficient. Thermostats can now sync to your smartphone and allow you to change the temperature with a touch. Forget to lower the thermostat when you left this morning? No problem, hit a button on your phone and lower it until you get home. You can also create different zones of your home to heat or cool when everyone’s gone. Install Solar Panels Yes, this upgrade will set you back a bit, but solar panels can save you a fortune in the long run. The federal government will give you a 30 percent tax deduction in 2019 for the cost of installing the panels. Many states and cities are adding even more incentives. You also get the satisfaction of lowering your dependence on fossil fuels. Most of us want homes that are energy efficient and don’t cost much to heat or cool. Consider these ways to make your home more energy efficient and add value to your home. James Witts is an eco-conscious home improvement writer. He is constantly trying to find new ways to live off the grid while living in a tiny home with his wife, Andie. 7 Energy Efficient Home Improvement Upgrades.pdf (327 KB)
