Whether you’re looking for a new house or want to update your existing one, you should think about how sustainable and environmentally friendly your choices can be. Today, more and more families consider going green, implementing more sustainable solutions, such as installing solar panels or using materials with low environmental impact. It allows them to reduce their carbon footprint but also save money in the long run and improve their life quality.
So, if you’re planning on making your home more energy-efficient, you should know your options as well as the most effective solutions to choose from. In this article, we will share more information about several key features an energy-efficient home should possess. Below, you will find detailed information about solutions like sufficient home insulation, air sealing, efficient water heater, Energy Star certified appliances, LED lighting, smart thermostat, and more.
Efficient Water Heater
If you want to make sure that your home is energy efficient and that you don’t waste tons of hot water every day, go for an efficient water heater rather than a traditional one. That way, you will save more energy and money.
There are many ways to do this, but one of the most popular choices is to install a tankless water heater, as it only heats water when you need it, so it doesn’t waste unnecessary energy. A tankless electric water heater cost runs between $90 and $900, so you will definitely find an option that fits your budget.
Home Insulation
A house with poor insulation is a house that loses its heat very quickly in the winter and becomes very hot in the summer. Good insulation, on the other hand, not only provides energy efficiency but also helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside throughout the whole year. The cost of improving insulation depends on the type you choose.
Ceiling and wall insulation, for instance, can have a significant cost, especially if you live in an old house – buildings from before the 1970s most likely don’t have any insulation at all. Ceiling and wall insulation can also be quite a challenge for homeowners. In order to install it, you will have to remove drywall or other material from your walls, as well as any wires or pipes located there, which can be very problematic and time-consuming.
Insulating your basement can also be challenging since it’s usually damp and moldy, but some solutions, such as spray foam insulation, can help fix this problem.
If your roof is in poor condition, a roof replacement might be necessary to ensure effective insulation and prevent further energy loss. Before undertaking a roof replacement, it is important to accurately measure a roof to determine the required materials and costs. This way, you can ensure a proper fit and estimate the budget for the roof replacement project.
Air Sealing
Air sealing is another factor you should turn your attention to when improving the energy efficiency of your house. The main goal is to reduce air leakage through gaps in your walls and floors and prevent air transfer between spaces in the building envelope. This can cause a major heat loss in winter and create excessive humidity during summer. Therefore, by sealing these gaps, you can improve your home’s energy performance.
There are several possible sealing gaps to look out for, including:
- around windows and doors,
- around electrical outlets,
- between floors,
- around light fixtures,
- around recessed lights,
- around plumbing pipes.
Energy Star Certified Appliances
When you purchase new appliances for your home, you should go for Energy Star certified ones that can save energy while being more durable and functional. Energy Star is an independent organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency worldwide through voluntary partnerships with industry leaders, governments, non-profit organizations, and individual citizens.
The program helps people save money on their utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 billion tons each year. It also supports innovation in the field and provides a credible third-party verification for eco-friendly products.
LED Lighting
LED lighting has become a prevalent element in many households these days because it provides good quality lighting at a very low cost. Also, it saves about 90% of electricity compared to incandescent bulbs, which means that you can expect to save a lot of money over time by switching to LED lighting. Moreover, LED lighting lasts much longer than other lights (25 times on average).
You can purchase LED lights for indoor or outdoor use, depending on your preferences or needs. And it doesn’t matter if you live in a small apartment or a big house – LED lights are very versatile and can fit almost any space.
Smart Thermostat
If you want to spend less money on energy bills while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home all year round, then think about upgrading from your old thermostat to a smart one. These devices offer many benefits over traditional ones, such as better control over your home’s temperature and less energy consumption as they can adjust temperatures automatically based on your daily schedule and weather conditions outside.
Moreover, smart thermostats provide real-time reports on your energy consumption which allows you to get a better insight into your spending habits to find ways to reduce your spending.
Solar Panels
The last key feature of an energy-efficient home is solar panels. Installing solar panels can be a good solution if you want to reduce your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time. It means reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the planet from further pollution – a clear advantage for our health and wellbeing.
Solar panels can easily be connected to your existing electrical system without requiring any new wiring or electrical work. They may last up to 30 years depending on the manufacturer, so they can save you money on installations as well as repairs as they don’t require much maintenance and can be installed on all types of roofs, including low, flat ones.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, energy-efficient homes can be an excellent investment as they not only help you save money but also make the world a better place. If you’re considering investing in a more sustainable home, you should carefully plan and choose your options, as some of them can be quite expensive.
To get the best results possible, go for Energy Star certified appliances, LED lighting, and solar panels, but if you can’t afford all of them, start with the most important ones and then move on to other solutions. Make sure always to choose the most efficient and durable options since they will pay off in the long run.
