Climate change is difficult to ignore, and most of us want to do as much as we can to help preserve the planet for the next generation. We also need to do something to combat the rising cost of energy; wouldn’t it be great if we could combat climate change and energy costs at the same time?
Actually, that may be easier to achieve than you think. From installing solar panels to making your home airtight, here are 6 great ways to make your home more energy efficient, and do your bit to help our suffering planet:
While this is a significant investment, it’s undoubtedly one that has the most potential to save you big money on your energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
Making the switch to solar power and not relying on non-renewable fossil fuels, also helps homeowners break free of local utility companies, and not be at their mercy when it comes to continual price increases. An under-appreciated fact about solar panels is that they also have a cooling effect on your entire home, by stopping direct sunlight from hitting your roof.
2. Make your home airtight
Any air leaking from your home will result in wasted energy and cause your utility bills to rise. Did you know that the average home loses as much as a quarter of its heat through windows, for example? By taking steps to make your home airtight, you can enjoy lower energy bills and keep your hot and cold air, exactly where you want it.
3. Upgrade your insulation
By maximizing the optimal thermal boundary between the inside of your home and the outdoors, the simple step of upgrading the insulation throughout your home (such as in the attic or loft and walls) can help you better regulate the temperature of your home and keep your energy bills down.
4. Upgrade your appliances
Nowadays, the majority of appliances are made with energy efficiency in mind, and by upgrading your heating, ventilation system and HVAC systems, you can save energy and the planet.
5. Buy a smart thermostat
Programmable, smart thermostats can be used to keep your home at the ideal temperature, whether you’re in it or not. Having smart devices such as this one installed, can also help to make your home more sellable should you decide to put it on the market one day.
6. Make the switch to an electric pump water heater
Accounting for as much as 25% of the average households annual energy usage, water heating is a significant factor to consider when aiming to reduce your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient. By switching to an electric heat pump water heater, you could make savings of up to $350 every year, compared to savings of just $20 annual with a tankless water heater.
Help the planet while saving money on your energy bills? Sound too good to be true? Well, it isn’t! Make any of the above changes (the more you make, the more you’ll save) to your home, and soon, both you and the planet could be reaping the benefits.
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