Did you know that residential structures use almost 22% of the electricity produced in the U.S. each year? If you own a home, you know how expensive it is to maintain and repair your home. Also, for many homeowners, one of their biggest monthly expenses are their energy costs.
Rather than just standing by and letting these costs grow month after month, it is necessary to take action. The good news is, there are several things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient beyond taking the time to compare electricity rates. Here you can learn what these things are.
1. Invest in Energy Monitors
Are you searching for a way to see if the energy solutions you have implemented in your home are working? If you answered “yes,” then investing in an energy monitor is a smart move. These are monitors that are affordable and the ideal tool for all homeowners to use. Modern versions give you a breakdown of how much energy your home is consuming.
Having these monitors installed will require you to install a transmitter onto the power supply that is going into your home, which will transmit all consumption data to the monitor that is located in your home. The more you learn about your home’s energy consumption, the better equipped you will be find issues and address them quickly.
2. Install Solar Panels
A huge misconception that many homeowners have is that a solar panel system is too expensive for them to add to their home. However, thanks to the developments made in this industry, solar panels are more affordable and accessible than they have ever been in the past. While the initial cost is high, the money you can save make the solar panel system well-worth the investment.
3. Increase the Insulation in Your Home
One of the best ways to find out about energy waste issues in a home is by performing an energy audit. This require you to inspect every inch of your home to make sure drafts and other common problems are not an issue. One of the first places to look when performing these inspections is in the attic.
Modern homes are designed with a lot of insulation in the attic. As time passes, the insulation may begin to deteriorate, which is why replacing it is so important. If you have noticed the insulation appears thin or if it is damaged, replacing it is a smart move. Approximately 10% of all energy that is wasted in your home every year is the result of poor insulation. When you try to select the right insulation, be sure to look online at various products. The information from online resources can help you choose an option that will provide the best results.
4. Install a Solar Water Heater
If you are unable to get a hot shower because of lacking hot water in your home, then it may be time to retire your electric water heater for a solar one, which is much more eco-friendly. In fact, this is a smart option and the new water heater will help you save money while reducing the time you must way to have your hot water supply replenished.
As you can see, there are several ways you can make your home eco-friendlier. You can start with one or try them all. In most cases, the money you invest to make these changes will be recouped quickly in the savings you receive once the new appliances and methods are put into use. Being informed is the best way to know how to reduce your energy costs.
