Living in an energy-efficient home can have many perks. Not only is it a better financial decision, but having an energy-efficient home can also lead to a much more comfortable and greener lifestyle. Because of the benefits that energy efficiency offers, many had decided to switch teams for this kind of lifestyle.
Despite being pricier than the typical house, home buyers are looking into the long-term benefit only energy-efficient houses have. They lean towards these types of homes because of how much money it can save on utility bills.
However, if you already have a home of your own and can't merely change houses, don't fret. You can still make a few simple changes to turn your home into an energy-efficient one. All you need to do is to read this article and find out how.
The Financial Benefits of Energy Efficient Homes
As mentioned earlier, energy-efficient houses tend to be pricier. Converting homes to be energy efficient can also cost you a bit. However, in the long run, you will benefit from the money you've saved from lower utility bills. By changing into energy-efficient furniture, you can save up to 30% on your bills.
Not only that, an energy-efficient home can lead to tax credits. Because of the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit offered by the federal government, homeowners who have upgraded their standard homes into an energy-efficient one are eligible for tax credits. This means that you can claim 10% of the energy efficiency improvements qualified under this law and 100% of residential energy property costs.
How to Make your Home Energy Efficient
Take your cue from the following;
Limit Your Energy Use
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration or EIA, an average American household consumes about 10,972 kWh annually, making it 914 kWh every month. The U.S consumes ¼ of the world's energy.
There're many steps you can take to lessen energy consumption. Stop continuously doing the bad habits causing you from using too much energy. This includes leaving electronics plugged when not in use, leaving the lights on, opening the fridge for too long, and so many more. This is the most essential and most effective way to turn your home energy efficient.
Add Insulation to Your Home
Home insulation significantly affects your energy efficiency. By making your home well insulated, it keeps heat during winter and retains the cooling during the summer. You can save up to 40% in cooling and heating bills when adding insulation. It also reduces condensation inside your home, improving your health by reducing instances of mold formation and dampness.
You can easily add more insulation to your home by caulking your doors and windows. This prevents air leaks from slipping out of your house. Another method is sealing the gaps on your floors and skirting boards using a sealant.
Lighting is Important
Most homes use the traditional standard incandescent bulbs to light up our home. However, this is not an efficient way to light up your home. They also don't last long compared to more energy-saving bulbs. These classic bulbs can use up 876 kWh for an entire year, giving you at least $131.40 in your electric bill.
Two types of lightbulbs can match the light of the standard incandescent bulb. These bulbs are CFL and LED bulbs. Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL) are the one with the spiral design. They only use 216 kWh of energy for an entire year. This means that in your bill, these bulbs take about $32.40, and that's a full year.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) bulbs, on the other hand, outmatches the two. It uses only 140 kWh in a year, thus only having a total of $21 in your annual energy bill. Not only that, it lasts longer than the other two.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
It is important to note that appliances take up 30% of our energy bills. That is why switching to efficient energy appliances would be better for your home. Energy-efficient appliances work by utilizing minimum energy to complete the task it's supposed to do without sacrificing quality.
Choose appliances that have an Energy Star rating. These appliances are guaranteed to be efficient and save energy. Take note that the higher the star means, the more energy-efficient the device is.
Proper Maintenance on Your HVAC Equipment
Always make it a habit to check your HVAC to ensure that it's regulating heating/cooling properly. By ensuring that all the connections in the system are in place and working properly, you can save up more money annually. If you have an outdated HVAC system, consider replacing it for more efficient ventilation and temperature regulation.
Choosing the Right Retail Energy Supplier in Washington DC
If you're planning to move to Washington DC, the thought of who you're going to have as a retail energy supplier must have crossed your mind. You might have scoured the internet looking for one.
Here's a tip: look up the Washington DC electricity price comparison between providers and compare their rates. That way, you can make a decision on which provider can give you the cheapest yet the best quality service you can ever ask for.
Takeaway
Energy-efficient homes are popular because of the benefits it gives. However, just because your home isn't like one doesn't mean you can't have an energy-efficient household. It's essential to know about the simple things that you and do to conserve energy, while at the same time, reap the benefits it offers.
