Many older homes have a hard time conserving energy. You may notice this with your high electricity or gas bill. The best way to decrease your costs and save energy altogether is to try out different energy-efficient tasks. Here are some tips to help you.
Upgrade Windows
Your windows play a vital role in trapping heat and cool air in your home. Replacing old, drafty windows may be a more expensive project, but it gives you long-term energy savings for years to come. There are many different window options for you to choose from. We recommend checking out Pella windows. They have a variety to choose from with great features like UV protection, scratch-resistant, weatherproof and more.
Seal Cracks & Gaps
Over the years, things may shift around your home. Age, environmental changes and the weather can cause windows, doors and walls to expose cracks and gaps. These tiny openings can cause air to enter and leave, which in turn increases your electricity or gas bills and make it harder to heat or cool your home. One of the best ways to fix this issue is to seal any cracks and gaps you see with caulk or weatherproofing strips.
Conduct a Home Energy Audit
Before you make any energy upgrades to your home, we highly recommend conducting a home energy audit. And home energy audit is where an auditor comes to your property and identifies all the areas where you can improve your energy efficiency. After walking through your home, they will give you a report of what is good and what needs to be fixed. Once you have the report, you then can work with a team to improve your energy. Many municipalities and power companies offer energy audits for free, but if you want a more thorough audit, we recommend working with a professional company.
Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
A low-cost way to improve the energy of your older home is to use energy-efficient light bulbs. Switch out your standard light bulbs for compact fluorescents or LEDs is way more affordable compared to upgrading your windows or adding smart lighting. Plus, these energy-efficient bulbs typically last longer than your average light bulb.
Upgrade HVAC System
Every homeowner must check their HVAC system at least once a year to clean and check or replace the filters. While checking out your HVAC system, did you find out how old it was? Is it older than 10 or 15 years? Many HVAC professionals recommend switching out your old system every 10 years for an updated, more efficient model.
Add Smart Technology
Luckily, we live in a time where technology keeps advancing and improving our overall quality of life. And this does not skip our homes. There are tons of new devices and features that can improve the energy of your house like:
- Smart thermostats
- Smart plugs
- Smart lighting gadgets
We recommend searching around to find the best option for you and your home before purchasing.
Improve Insulation
Did you know that you can save on your electricity bill from about 10% to 50% if you improve your home’s insulation? The insulation in your house helps control the temperature. For example, a house with no or poor insulation will let heat and cool air easily escape. You never want that to happen, or you may overheat or freeze during the winter. Instead, focus on insulating your attic, walls and floors.
Are you ready to make your older home energy-efficient? Then, let our skilled team of experts at Valor Home Services help. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us today.
