Energy Efficiency Ideas & Tips for Your Home

Everyone likes to free up money. One way to do that is to be more energy efficient. Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same job. In turn, this helps you to save money on your energy bills and reduce your home’s energy waste.  To use energy effectively, you want to recognize where most of the waste comes from and what you can do to fill the gaps.

Take a look at some of the most impactful ways you can reduce energy waste in your home:

Keep Air Filters Clean

A dirty air filter isn’t just a risk to your health. It can also prevent your HVAC system from functioning at its most efficient capacity. Instead, your system has to work harder to do the same job, which will directly translate to your energy bill. Check air filters every 2-3 months and replace them when needed. As a bonus, this also helps to improve your home’s air quality.

Use Ceiling Fans to Cool Your Home

According to reports, a ceiling fan can decrease cooling costs by nearly 99%. Depending on your electricity provider, it can cost about a penny or so to operate a ceiling fan for an hour, versus 36 cents per hour, give or take, for a central A/C unit. If you don’t already have ceiling fans in your home, this is one investment that can quickly pay for itself.

Replace Insulation

It is a good idea to inspect your insulation at least once per year. Insulation that is full of dust and debris or that’s peeling away from walls or ceilings won’t be as energy efficient. Water damage can also make it less effective. Inspections can help you decide whether it’s time to replace your insulation, which can help make your home more efficient.

Rely on Natural Light

Lighting accounts for roughly 12% of a home’s energy costs. Even if you’ve made the switch to energy efficient bulbs, it’s still not as inexpensive as using natural light instead. When possible, rely on the sun to light your home life. Try to take care of chores or work in rooms that have good natural light during the day.

Switch to Solar Panels

Frisco’s sunny summers are ideal for solar panels. These panels reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from your local provider and could slice your bill in half or replace it entirely! Solar panels are an investment; however, if you plan to stay in your home for a while, it can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars or more over time.

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Windows

If you still have single pane windows, you’ll likely notice a significant benefit when you upgrade to Energy Star windows. These windows use double pane glass and meet the strict standards set forth by the EPA. The right windows help to keep heated or cooled air from escaping your home so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Replace Your Entry Doors

Your home’s doors can degrade over time. Cracks, gaps, defective seals, and warping can occur through normal wear and tear, which doesn’t do your energy bill a favor. If you notice visible damage to your home’s entry doors, it might be time for a replacement.

For more insights, head back to our blog.