CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS: 5 TIPS YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TODAY

CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS: 5 TIPS TO YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TODAY

As a building scientist, I spend much of my time helping building owners improve their building envelopes. These improvements increase thermal comfort, indoor air quality, moisture control, and energy efficiency.

The same principles apply to your home. No matter its age, air leaks develop over time. Seals wear out, insulation settles, and your home becomes less efficient. Fortunately, a few simple upgrades can lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

Here are five practical ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency today.

How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Any Home

Improve your attic performance. Before summer heat makes attic work unbearable, inspect your attic for air leaks. Pull back the insulation around recessed lights and along interior walls to look for gaps. Seal any openings with water-based expanding foam, then replace the insulation. Next, inspect exposed ductwork and seal any loose joints. While you’re there, make sure the soffit vents remain clear. Add insulation where needed, cover exposed floor joints, and insulate the attic access door or hatch with weatherstripping or a gasket.

Replace any major equipment or appliances more than 20 years old. If your furnace, water heater, or other major equipment is more than 20 years old, consider replacing it.Modern, high-efficiency systems use significantly less energy than older models. Many also improve indoor air quality by using direct-vent technology with dedicated fresh-air intake, reducing indoor air pollutants.

Consider replacing all lighting, especially high-intensity spot lights or outdoor lighting, with LED. Present bulb technology allows you to keep the same fixtures and wiring (just do us a favor and make sure no outdoor lighting is pointing up or out to reduce light pollution.)

Always use a ceiling or other fan when running air conditioning. As we enter the warmer months, keep this in mind. The sensation of air moving across your skin will allow you to set the AC at a higher temp and still feel comfortable.

Consider exterior shading as opposed to interior sun control when trying to stay cool. For the most part, whatever you use to block the sun is going to get warm so place it on the outside of the home and not in the room with you.

Have you tried any of these recommendations? Did you notice a difference?

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small changes can make a big difference, and knowing where to start is half the battle. If you’d like expert guidance on making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, we’re here to help.

CONTACT RJI PRO TODAY!