Sustainable living is the need of the era, and energy-efficient homes are among the first few steps of human civilization. There are several easy ways of making your home energy efficient.
You may or may not want to invest a big amount for the purpose. However, there are the cheapest loans in Ireland on quick approval for home improvement. It is up to you whether you want to take a loan or try some other ways.
Several straightforward ways can help you make your home energy efficient.
Audit your energy consumption – As they say, actual change starts from your home. If you want to live a sustainable life contributing to a healthy environment, learn to audit your energy consumption.
Inspect windows and doors – Seal gaps using weatherstripping or caulking. Regularly check for drafts around doors and windows. Every time you see any such issue use the weatherproofing strip.
Review lighting – Use energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs in place of old incandescent bulbs. Consider installing motion sensors or automatic timers to reduce lighting usage.
Assess insulation – Regularly check the insulation levels in your walls, floors, attic and walls. Look for missing insulation, cracks and gaps that may cause heat gain or loss.
Check for air leaks – It is important to check for air leaks around electrical outlets, windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations. Use caulk to seal these areas.
Consider using an energy audit kit – DIY energy audit kits are available that provide instructions and tools for accurate measurements. This the basic but one of the most important steps in making your home energy efficient.
Evaluate electronics and appliances – Assessment of energy consumption level of your electronic devices and appliances is necessary. Replace the high energy consumption appliances with energy efficient models. Also unplug devices when not in use.
Use natural lighting and passive solar design – Nothing can be better than using natural lighting when it comes to energy efficient living. No need to mention, solar energy is the future of the planet. It can be used in several ways to make your home a better and healthy place to live.
Open blinds and curtains – Use the day hours to get the maximum amount of heat and light in your home. Open your curtains and blinds. It will fill your home with the warmth of sunlight. During cold days, it helps keep your place insulated. You may need lower levels of insulation after sunset.
Install solar tubes or skylights – Installing solar tubes or skylights make a big difference. It allows you to use more sunlight in your home. Use this solution to lighten the darker parts of the house where you get the least sunlight. You can get additional light without consuming any additional expensive sources of energy.
Use light-coloured textile – Using light-coloured blinds and curtains is another simple way to make home energy efficient. No need to explain that it lets more natural light come inside your home. This not only improves energy efficiency level but is also good for health of your family members.
Optimize water usage – Water heating consumes a lot of energy. Therefore, taking the necessary steps in this direction is vital. Using energy efficient ways, you can make a different. Besides this, reducing hot water usage is also a practical way to improve the situation.
Water heater maintenance is vital – Regular maintenance and servicing of water heater improves energy efficiency. Flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment build up. Also, set your water heater temperature to 120°. This temperature is usually sufficiently hot to do majority of activities of daily routine.
Install low-flow fixtures – Install low-flow faucets and showerheads that help reduce water usage. This also may help you reduce water heating costs without any compromise in performance. Such simple yet effective way to optimize water usage is already in use in many homes.
Consider tankless water heaters – Consider replacing your water heater with a tankless model. Such water heaters only heat the water when you need it. This reduces energy consumption as the heater will no more be on standby mode. However, use this method only if your water heater is old and you are thinking of replacing. Removing a new or properly working heater only increases the cost.
Landscaping for energy efficiency is useful – Usually people do not give attention to landscaping. But to be real, this too can leave a great impact on energy consumption levels of your home. Adding trees and shrubs at the right place can help you change the energy consumption levels.
Plant shade trees – Planting shade trees on the south and west side of your home. This protects your home from sharp sunlight keeping the place cool. While, on the other hand, during winters these trees shed their leaves. It allows the sunlight direct touch the outside and inside of your home. Therefore, your home stays warm. Nothing can be a better idea than this if you are looking for an inexpensive way to ensure an energy efficient home.
Plan bushes and windbreaks – Planting bushes and windbreaks in the north side of your home improves energy efficiency. In winters they act at windbreaks keeping your home warm. While during summers, due to regular watering and maintenance the ground around the house remains cools. This keeps the surroundings of home calm, cool and relaxing.
Grow vegetables – Growing vegetables can solve two purposes. You get healthy, organic food to eat and can get a well-insulated surrounding. After knowing your climate region, grow relevant vegetables. Take the suggestions from a professional.
Upgrade appliances – Using smart appliances is another popular way to improve energy efficiency levels. Through several simple ways you can work on this aspect reducing your lifestyle expenses. These days, new appliances are available on easy instalments even for those with a bad credit. You can apply for affordable bad credit loans in Ireland to buy such appliances.
Improved performance saves energy – Energy efficient appliances save energy due to improved features. These appliances have modern technology. You can control and monitor the energy usage through your smartphone. In fact, you can turn on and off even when you are not at home.
Prioritize replacements – Assess your current appliances and replace those that consume a lot of energy. Usually, the older models of appliances cause more energy usage. This also increase your cost of living. It is now time to think smartly and install smart appliances.
Don’t forget to research and compare – Before you purchase such appliances do not forget to compare. Multiple options are available in the market these days. Pick the dependable brands with futuristic features.
Conclusion
The above ways ensure efficient home without spending much. Turning your home into an energy efficient home is a long process. This takes time therefore, never spend beyond your limits. It is better if you don’t rush for the big change and go with your pace.
