Installing solar panels to your home provides many benefits to the environment and saves you money with each electricity bill. There are many other home improvements that can make a major impact on your energy usage and save you money throughout the years.

Replacing Old Appliances

A great way to save energy in your home is to replace old appliances with new appliances. Getting rid of an old fridge, TV, microwave and washer and dryer can immediately improve your energy efficiency and usage and save you money. Old appliances become less efficient overtime and end up using more electricity. Focusing on replacing a few old appliances can make an immediate impact on your monthly bills.

Remove Wasted Energy

What is wasted energy? Also known as phantom power, wasted energy is when home’s devices and appliances are still drawing power while plugged in, even when they are off. It can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy consumption. One way to save energy by removing phantom power is by unplugging appliances when they are not in use. You can also invest in smart outlets, plugs, strips and lights to reduce your phantom energy use.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a great way to make a huge difference in your electricity bill. They also can determine the best way to keep your house warm and cool. They can connect to smart devices, have voice control options, and can track your overall energy consumption. They are great investments and can quickly boost your home energy efficiency.

Add Insulation in Your Attic

If you have an older home, you might be losing heat through a poorly insulated attic. Adding an extra layer of insulation to your home can help you save money while fighting against heat loss. Newer and older homes can benefit from an extra insulation layer and you will save money year-after-year.

Seal or Replace Your Windows

You can eliminate drafts and make your home cheaper to heat up by adding weather stripping or caulking around your windows. Sometimes sealing around the window may not be enough. Installing newer windows will ensure they do a better job at keeping interior temperatures regulated. 

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be an efficient way to cool your house and create a slight breeze without costing too much money. They help to circulate air around your house both in the winter and the summer months. They cost way less than running the air conditioning system and can be a cost efficient way to improve your home and lower your energy bills.

Improve Lighting

We have talked about LED light bulbs before, because they are a simple way to create an energy efficient lighting system in your home. Traditional light bulbs waste a great deal of valuable energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED light bulbs last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use up to 75 percent less energy. Switching to LED light bulbs will save you money on electricity and you won’t have to replace them nearly as often! 

There are so many ways to improve your home to be more energy efficient. Going solar is another way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment. For more information about solar, click here!