There are so many benefits to improving your home’s energy efficiency.
The cost savings are definitely a huge plus but never underestimate how important an efficient, clean home can be to your family’s health and wellbeing.
It might seem surprising, but the most effective steps in this guide aren’t to upgrade your existing appliances or to put a solar panel on the roof but to make sure that your existing system is working as efficiently as possible.
There are so many ways to make your home more energy-efficient and improve your home’s health, and here are just a few to help you get started:
Have a HERS Test Completed
HERS testing, which stands for Home Energy Rating System, works to test different areas of your HVAC unit.
From duct leakage to refrigerant charge, to airflow, blower door, and even your fan’s maximum watt draw.
There are a lot of different areas that will affect your HERS test, and once you have this completed, you will more or less have a great blueprint to begin your home energy renovations.
If Possible, Have a Professional Clean of Your Systems and Appliances
A lot of issues, especially in your HVAC unit, can be improved simply by having them professionally cleaned.
From the ducts to your fridge, deep clean these areas on a frequent basis.
For that HVAC unit, you will want to have someone come in or learn how to prepare it for winter, and then later on for spring.
Your fridge should enjoy a deep clean every three to four months, but to really keep it efficient, you’ll want to pull it away from the wall to clean behind it at least once a year.
If Not Possible, Invest in New Designs
Keeping your appliances and home systems cleaned is an excellent way to extend their lifespan and to keep them working as optimally as possible.
If that still isn’t enough, or you want to upgrade your home, then you’ll want to get the help of experts.
From going through your options with a sales rep for a new, energy-efficient fridge to having an entire HVAC system designed for your home, there is a lot you can do to improve your home, your health, and reduce costs.
Use These Budget-Friendly Methods to Insulate Your Home
There are so many ways that you can better insulate your home, even without investing in proper insulation services.
Here are just a few possible ways to keep your home and your family warmer in winter and cooler in summer:
- Use bushes and evergreen trees to block and reduce cold winter winds from hitting the side of your home.
- Get thick curtains; ideal for blocking the sun and heat out or trapping it inside.
- Decorate with textiles instead of just pictures
- Use rugs in winter, and remove them for summer.
Invest in a Smart Home System
The best way to start cutting down every little corner of energy waste while still keeping your family as comfortable as possible is to invest in a smart home system.
What this system will do, at the very least, is turn off your heating, lights, and unnecessary appliances when you leave and heat or cool your home more efficiently.