Saving Money: 5 Home Updates That Pay In Energy Efficiency

The cost of energy seems to go up every year, with no signs of relief in sight. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to sky-high energy bills. A few simple energy-conserving changes can slash your energy bills and make your home more eco-friendly as well. Let’s look at a few home updates that can help make your home more energy-efficient.

Upgrade Your Appliances

If your household appliances haven’t been replaced in a while, they probably lack today’s energy-saving technology. Upgrading appliances such as your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, or dryer to the newest energy-efficient models can help you save energy and give you access to all the latest features and functionality. There are also designated times throughout the day that are cheaper to operate your appliances. This can make a big difference in the energy you are consuming and the bills that will reflect that energy.

Invest in Your Roof

Your energy costs might be literally “going through the roof”. A poorly-insulated roof can let in too much heat during the summer, and allow too much warmth to escape during the winter. A reputable Calgary roofing company, like United Roofing, can provide you with an energy-efficient roof that keeps your home more comfortable and cuts your heating bills.

Check Your Walls & Attic

Once your roof is properly insulated, it’s wise to make sure that air isn’t escaping through poorly-insulated walls and attics. Choosing the right insulation materials is a critical part of the process; installing the materials properly is equally important. Hiring a reputable professional may be a better bet than taking on this project yourself. They have the training to make it an easy job with out taking a lot of time.

Replace Old Windows

Depending on the age and condition of the windows in your home, a few updates or replacements might be in order. Your existing windows may need to be weather-stripped, or storm windows can be installed that fit over your old windows. Experts agree that improving the energy efficiency of your windows can save up to 25% on your energy bill. And these savings will not be limited to seasonal savings. In the winter, new energy efficient windows will help keep out the cold. Then in the summer and new windows can help block out the heat from the sun and keep your home nice and cool.

Look for Small Fixes

Not all energy-saving home updates have to be major undertakings. Small changes like planting trees for shade, caulking and sealing cracks, and replacing your old light bulbs with energy-efficients ones can really make a difference in your energy bills. Even if your home-improvement budget is limited, these minor fixes can get you started in creating an energy-efficient home.

As you can see, there are many ways you can cut the costs of energy and improve the eco-friendliness of your home. Even smaller improvements can add up to big savings over time. Try one or more of these home updates and start slashing your energy bills today!

Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. 

 

Tags: Efficient energy use, Home improvement

Category: Save Energy, Saving Money