10 tips to make your home more energy efficient

Making your home more energy efficient is not only comfortable but it can save you money as well. You will also make a significant impact on the environment. Here are a few simple things you can do and make your home more energy efficient.

1. Check your windows and doors

Check your windows and doors to see if there are cracks or gaps which could be causing your home to be cold and cramped. If they are, apply draft excluder tap to all the gaps so that your heating system can become more effective.

2. Check your insulation

Insulation provides an efficient way to keep your home warm in colder seasons and cool in warmer seasons. Therefore, remember to check if you have adequate insulation in your walls and roof cavity. If the insulation in your house is incorrect, the heat will quickly disappear. One suggestion to provide appropriate insulation which conserves energy is to use a plastic sheet in each of the walls.

3. Go for an energy efficient source of heat

Although fan heaters may keep your feet warm, a huge amount of energy will be required to run it. Instead of fan heaters, you can opt for less energy efficient options such as a heat pump or a fireplace. Such options are not only energy efficient but they also generate better all-round heat.

4. Check your curtains if they fit properly

Well-fitted curtains can help to insulate your windows. Henceforth, to be on the safe side, ensure your curtains measure 1 and a half times the width of your window. This is important so that they extend beyond the window frame so as to prevent drafts. For maximum insulation, your curtains should hang below the window frame or even reach to the floor.

5. Go for energy efficient appliances

When you are buying new items or replacing old ones, be conscious of appliances that tend to churn through power. Before you make your purchase, ensure you check the energy star rating, read the comprehensive guides that come along with the appliance. Try opting for the ones with low power consumption ratings. When buying an air conditioner, for example, consider reading a comprehensive portable ac guide so that you can ensure you are choosing the best appliance in terms of energy efficiency.

6. Consider carpet

As many wooden floors look lovely, sometimes they can be drafty. Carpets do a good job of insulating your floors so as to stop drafts from creeping in. if you are not ready to fully commit to carpet, you can just have some large rugs in the common areas around the house.

7. Check your heating and hot water system

Make sure that your heating system has the right controls. You can make an impressive saving on your fuel bills if you install room thermostats, programmers and thermostatic radiator valves.

8. Consider solar panel

This is another option you can choose in your home to save more energy. Solar power energy is completely renewable and does not even rely on carbon-heavy methods of power generation. The strength of the sun’s warm rays has the ability to power your whole home with a collection of panels and batteries.

9. Reduce the usage of hot water

Reduce the usage of hot water as much as you can. If possible, avoid running your washer with hot water and instead use cold or warm water. Furthermore, you can fit a water efficient shower head and use a bowl to wash up rather than running that hot tap.

10. Avoid standby mode

Standby lights consume a large amount of energy more than you can imagine. Simply avoid this by turning anything that is not in use. Things such as unplugging your charger after use or investing in a timer for your heater may seem minor but they have a significant effect on energy consumption.

Conclusion

Reviewing the energy efficiency of your home is crucial. Many HVAC experts confirm that installing the HVAC units in an ad hoc manner without planning out proper consumption leads to a lot of wastage. There are simple things you can do at your home and have a great positive impact on the environment as well.