As a homeowner, you are constantly looking for ways to keep your home safe, secure, and operating effectively. How to always go about doing that can be tricky. But your utility bills could be telling you more than you realize.
Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home can benefit you in several ways. At the top of the tip, an energy-efficient home is a good investment. Yes, it will cost you some money upfront but savings over time give you great returns. It will also make your home more attractive on the market when it comes time to sell – meaning more money now and later.
Many of the changes made to improve energy efficiency bring health benefits too. Reducing allergens and pollutants helps protect your most prized possession – the people living in your home. Beyond your home, energy-saving upgrades are good for the environment.
Don’t know where to start? Here are five home upgrades you can make in your home that will get you moving in the right energy efficiency direction.
Upgrade Appliances.
From dishwashers to refrigerators to dryers, new appliances have new energy efficiency standards meaning they use less energy. And less output of energy translates more input of money in your pockets.
Seal Windows and Doors.
When cold air seeps into your home, it lowers the temperature and triggers the furnace to run. The same is true for the summer but with the air conditioner. By properly sealing the windows and doors, you can reduce the unnecessary use of your utilities.
Change the Lighting.
Replacing your incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs is one of the simplest ways to reduce your energy bills. You will get the same amount of light from LED bulbs and it will cost you less. Using a smart power strip for lamps and other electronic devices will also conveniently save you money.
Upgrade HVAC Systems. Your heating and cooling systems are the largest consumers of energy in your home. And in Kansas City, they both get a workout. If you are looking to lower a big expense of energy, replacing your furnace or air conditioner can do the trick.
Keep the Air Moving.
Installing ceiling fans can help keep your energy costs down in the summer but also all year through. By reducing the use of your heating and cooling system, a ceiling fan can make a difference in your energy saving. Make sure your fan is moving in a clockwise direction in the winter to pull the warm air up and counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.
Your home is an important investment. We want to help you keep it running as efficiently as possible. If you have any questions or need any help, give us a call.
