Making your home energy efficient on a budget can seem a little tricky. With Energy Star appliances dominating the name in efficiency, you may think you need to replace all your appliances just to better your efficiency. To learn about this and more DIY projects you can tackle, keep reading!
Fortunately, that is not the case. There are a number of ways you can improve your home’s efficiency without breaking the bank. In fact, these quick fixes are the first step to the ideal, energy-conserving home, and these cheap home improvements for energy efficiency will also increase the value of your property.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans seem like a good implement for the warmer seasons but in reality, they can benefit you regardless of temperature. Fans work to circulate cooled or heated air produced by your HVAC system while pulling hot or cold air away from the living spaces. This limits the energy your HVAC system needs to function properly, thereby reducing your energy bill.
Replace Air Filters
Though it seems like a simple thing, replacing your air filter can make your AC significantly more efficient. A dirty filter means your AC must fight to push air through the dirt and lint that has accumulated. Air filters are cheap and easy to replace.
Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs
At face value, the traditional incandescent bulb is much cheaper than an LED bulb. However, in the long run, incandescent bulbs cost you far more to run and replace when compared to LEDs.
An LED light will live, on average, 50,000 hours while an incandescent lives about 1,200 hours. That difference alone makes LED bulbs a much better deal. On top of that, LED bulbs use far less energy to run, cutting your utility costs as well as your replacement costs.
Seal Windows and Doors
A tube of sealant costs a few dollars at your local home improvement store, and the process takes you just a couple of hours. Spend a little time resealing your doors and windows to prevent air leakage, thereby making your heating and cooling units more efficient. When your AC is constantly battling outside temperatures, it increases your utility costs and energy waste.
Plant a Shade Tree
Planting a tree was likely the last thing on your mind. When one thinks of energy efficiency, they typically turn their focus indoors. However, a shade tree helps shelter your home from sunlight, cooling your home and preventing your AC from overworking.
Plants can also cool the air around them if there are enough to do so. So you may also want to consider additional landscaping around your home, as well.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Two of the biggest water wasters in your home are your showerhead and your toilet. While a low-flow toilet can be a little expensive, low-flow showerheads can be as cheap as $10. Low-flow fixtures will clip your home’s water waste while minimizing your water expenses without sacrificing water pressure. A new showerhead is also very easy to install.
Of course, replacing your appliances with Energy Star alternatives is a great way to conserve energy and lower utility bills. However, making some quick fixes and changes around the home can reduce your bill just as much without the cost of all new appliances. So visit your local home improvement store and get started.
Your next utility bill may surprise you!
