Tips for a More Energy-Efficient Home

The push to make homes more energy efficient is increasing as fuel prices continue to rise. This is the process of reducing wasted energy by completing tasks in your home with less power. It will lower your electricity bills and environmental footprint while raising the value of your home.

Improving the energy efficiency of your home doesn’t have to be expensive, but there are also ways to make a big impact if you’re willing to spend a little more.

A few tips that will help you create a more energy-efficient home are:

Low-Cost Savings

Utilize Natural Light

Lighting accounts for around one-third of the energy usage in your home. Utilizing natural light from your windows can save you money on your electricity bill, as well as reduce the cost of heat. In addition to home benefits, natural light is also very beneficial for your health. It can boost focus, improve sleep, and is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D.

If natural light isn’t enough, consider replacing the traditional light bulbs in your home with a more energy-efficient alternative. Compact fluorescents (CLs) last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs while using less than two-thirds of the energy to run. The average home uses around 40 bulbs, so these small changes can add up to significant savings.

Adjust the Thermostat

Another cost-effective way to make your home more energy efficient is to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature during the winter and a higher temperature during the summer while you are away. Keeping your home 10 degrees cooler/warmer while you are at work can account for up to 15% savings on your monthly bills. Even just a three-degree difference in temperature can add up over time. 

A good rule of thumb is to keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees throughout the winter. Curtains and blinds can help regulate the temperature in your home when it’s hot outside. Alternatively, the sun’s rays shining through windows can help with heating in the colder months.

Big Savings

Tune up the HVAC System

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is responsible for most of the energy consumption in your home. It also contributes to the quality of the air indoors.

An annual tune-up will ensure that the system is running efficiently. This includes changing air filters, sealing leaks, and cleaning coils. Not taking care of your HVAC system can result in spending upwards of $10,000 on a replacement. 

Install New Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors let in outdoor air, which can either raise or lower the temperature of your house depending on the season. This fluctuation can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, resulting in increased energy bills. 

While some leaks can be fixed with a little caulk, any door or window older than 15 years should be upgraded to a newer, more efficient model. Windows can account for as much as 25% of a home’s annual energy bill, so upgrading them will result in big savings.

Window and Door Installation in Tucson

Window World is your go-to window and door supplier in Tucson. Our SolarZone insulated glass and Low-E coatings are designed to keep your home at the ideal temperature, resulting in significant energy savings.

For more information about installing energy-efficient doors and windows in your home, contact Window World today.