4 Ways to Make Your House More Energy Efficient
It is irrefutable that energy efficiency saves money. While some projects may be costly the long-term savings can rapidly overtake the initial investment. California has rebate and tax credit programs that may help offset the costs of home improvement projects. Energy audits can be expensive and yet they are worth the cost. The following are 4 tips that can help make your home more energy efficient.
Contact a Heating Specialist
A professional Oakland commercial heating contractor can assess your home for potential savings. Many California homes do not have proper insulation and money is wasted in the colder months as heat seeps through walls and improperly installed windows.
Purchase Energy Star Compliant Appliances
Energy Star appliances initially cost more but cost less compared to traditional appliances over time. An Energy Star compliant refrigerator is required to use 15 percent less energy than non-certified models. 15 percent represents huge savings over the life span of the refrigerator.
Check Weather-stripping and Install an Adjustable Threshold
Deteriorating weather-stripping allows heat and air to escape your home from improperly sealed doors. Check the weather-stripping each season and replace any faulty sections.
Door thresholds prevent heat from passing underneath doors which is an often overlooked passage out of your home. Instead of removing the old door test if an adjustable threshold will fit below the door to stop the passage of air. Don’t pay to heat or cool the outside: keep that air and heat inside.
Replace Old Light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs
Old light bulbs use more energy compared to new light-emitting diode and compact fluorescent lamps. CFL bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use one-fourth the energy. LED bulbs are better than both and use 20 to 25 percent less energy while lasting 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. The longer life and energy usage differences between new bulbs and old bulbs will again make a large difference in your energy bill.
Alternative Energy
Alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power are options for most areas across the country. Geothermal heat pumps are another option for heating and cooling your home to discuss with a certified professional.
A consistent theme of this article is that replacing old things with new things will result in savings. Any of the above tips will reduce your monthly power expenses but when they are used in conjunction with energy reducing technologies the impact on heating and power bills can be immense.