Homeowners all over the country have been searching for ways to reduce their energy usage in order to save money on their electricity bill each month. If you are a homeowner who can relate, you’ll need to know what improvements you can make to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Well, you’re in luck. Check out our list of the main aspects of a home which add to its energy efficiency.
Energy Star Appliances
By far one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient is to trade old appliances for new ones that feature the Energy Star emblem. This emblem signifies that the appliance is approved by the Energy Star program, which is a program founded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. The federally funded program actually offers consumers rebates and tax incentives for purchasing approved energy efficient appliances including refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers.
Energy Star Windows
Energy Star not only approves of and recommends appliances for the laundry room and the kitchen, they also certify certain windows. A home which is considered energy efficient will likely have Energy Star windows installed throughout the entire house.
A Programmable Thermostat
Outdated HVAC systems are usually the main culprit for sky high energy bills because they aren’t that great at climate control. In order to control your energy usage throughout the day, it’s recommended you set different temperatures for the inside of your home for morning, day and night. The easiest way to do this is to use a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts throughout the day.
Quality Insulation
An energy efficient home will also be equipped with plenty of quality insulation in places like the attic. Generally, the government’s energy program recommends the use of insulating materials such as foam or fiberglass.
Solar Panels
Of course having a few solar panels installed on the exterior of your home can drastically increase its energy efficiency. This is because solar is by far the most readily available and cleanest form of energy used today. The government also offers homeowners substantial grants, rebates and tax incentives for installing solar panels.
A Rainwater Collection System
Another feature which raises the energy efficiency of a home is some type of system which collects rainwater. The water collected by these systems can be reused to fill up pools, water flowerbeds or to wash your family’s vehicles.
Ceiling Fans
Every home should have at least a few ceiling fans installed in rooms that are most frequently used. This is because they can help keep your home cool during the hot winter months so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard.
With all of the tax breaks and rebates currently offered by the government, increasing the energy efficiency of your home has never been easier or more affordable. Use this short checklist to determine which energy saving methods you should implement at your own home. After doing so, you’ll quickly notice just how much money you are able to save each month by changing a few simple things at home.
