Are you thinking of doing some home improvement projects this spring? Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’ve been living in the same place for years, there will come a time when you need to make some home improvement. Maybe your bathroom needs a facelift, or you want to install a new deck in the backyard. No matter what the project is, it’s essential to plan and ensure you have all of the required tools and supplies before getting started.
It all begins with your idea of an ideal home. Do you want to use less energy? Save money on your utility bills? Help the environment? All of the above? Once you’ve formulated a clear goal, you may begin thinking about how to make your house renovation plans a reality.
If saving money is on your list, there are several inexpensive or no-cost measures available to help you increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Solar Panels:
One of the most popular sustainable home improvement options is solar panels. Solar panels are an excellent strategy to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving money on your energy expenses in the long term.
For instance, cities like Auckland are seeing an increase in solar installations. A recent study by SunPower found that Auckland homeowners who installed solar panels saved an average of $ NZD 630 on their energy bills in the first year alone! If that’s the case, Solar Panels Auckland could be an excellent investment for your home.
However, the benefits of solar panels don’t stop there. Solar energy is also a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar panel installation has a higher upfront cost, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment for your home. If you’re searching for methods to make your house more sustainable and environmentally friendly, solar panels should top your list!
Tankless Water Heaters:
You’re undoubtedly familiar with your water heater. The poor guy is always laboring away in your basement, trying to keep you warm during the harsh winter months. Did you know that it’s burning energy all the time? The water heater will continuously cycle on and off to maintain the temperature you’ve specified. And if you have an electric one, it’ll be more expensive over time.
However, have you heard of a more efficient way to heat your water? Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand, which means they only heat up what you need when you need it. It will help you save money and energy over time.
Switching to a tankless water heater, on the other hand, comes with certain drawbacks. Before deciding to make the switch, keep these things in mind.
- Tankless water heaters are more expensive than traditional ones. And don’t forget the installation cost.
- A tankless water heater might not meet the hot water demands of a large household.
- If you live in an area with cold winters, a tankless water heater might not be able to keep up with demand.
Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors:
Draft stoppers on door jambs are cute, but they may not be working effectively.
Your conditioned air may be escaping along the edges of your outside doors. It means heat is leaking out in the winter (who likes that?). In addition, in the summer, your AC may be working overtime. Hold a burning candle near the edges of your door to check for leaks; if the flame flickers, you’ve got air leakage and should consider an energy-efficient exterior door.
Various designs and colors are available to complement your house’s appearance, and they are frequently less costly than you might expect!
You can usually find them with insulation values that meet or exceed Energy Star requirements. A good set of ENERGY STAR-rated doors can save you up to 30% on your energy bill.
There are a few things to look for when shopping for new exterior doors:
- The R-value indicates how well the door will insulate against heat loss. Look for an R-value of at least six.
- The U-factor represents how much heat escapes through the door. A U-factor of no more than 0.35 is ideal.
- In the winter, doors with a low cfm (cubic feet per meter) rating will keep out more cold air and allow more hot air to enter.
Window Film:
Windows let light in and provide a view, but they also allow heat in the summer and cold in the winter. Without sacrificing natural light or views, window film is an excellent method to reduce unwanted heat gain or loss.
The most popular kinds of window film are thermal-based coatings, which create an insulating layer between the glass and the outside world. This layer maintains heat retention in the summer and reduces heat loss in the winter while also allowing natural light and views to enter.
Window film can also help reduce glare and protect your furniture and flooring from fading. Some films even have a low reflectivity to help keep your home cooler during the summer months. Window film is a perfect way to improve your home’s energy efficiency without making any major renovations.
Insulation:
Were you aware that adding insulation to your attic is a brilliant idea to up your energy efficiency? Because fiberglass batts retain heat in the winter and radiate it during the summer, you’ll save money on heating and cooling expenses.
Insulation is available in various forms, but it all works by trapping air inside tiny pockets. This trapped air helps keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer while still allowing for ventilation.
Insulation can also help reduce noise from outside, making your home quieter and more comfortable. Insulation in your attic is a fantastic way to boost your home’s energy efficiency, and it’s a fairly easy job that can be completed in a few hours.
Switch to LEDs:
Replacing your old light bulbs with LED bulbs is one of the most straightforward methods to make your home more energy-efficient. LEDs produce significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, which means they use considerably less power and endure far longer, making them an excellent alternative for various applications.
You can find LED bulbs that fit just about any type of fixture, so it’s easy to make the switch throughout your entire home. Plus, LEDs come in a variety of different “temperatures” or colors, so you can choose the perfect light for each room in your house.
Infographic Provided By The Solar Energy Company, Route 66 Solar
Ending Note:
A warmer and more comfortable home doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. With some effort, you can make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable. Not only will you be doing your part to help the planet, but you’ll also save money on your energy bills. Win-win!
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