Energy efficiency has become a top priority for homeowners, and for good reason: along with saving money on utility bills, it also reduces the home's impact on the environment. For these reasons and others, homeowners throughout the country are investing in energy-efficient solutions, including the following.
#1) Blackout Thermal Curtains
Installing blackout thermal curtains in your home can reduce your cooling costs by up to 10% during the summer. As the name suggests, these curtains are made with a thicker, more thermal-resistant material than traditional curtains. Once installed, they create a thermal barrier while preventing your home's energy from escaping out the windows. For the price, this is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to create a more energy-efficient home.
#2) New Lighting
Of course, another solution to make your home more energy efficient is to install new lighting. While incandescent bulbs are typically the cheapest to buy, they are also the least energy efficient. Therefore, homeowners should consider installing compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED), both of which are more energy efficient than incandescent.
#3) Low-Flow Shower Head
Low-flow shower heads consume up to 75% less water than traditional shower heads. And because they consume less water, they also save energy since there's less water to heat. Some people assume that low-flow shower heads only produce a trickle of water, but this isn't necessarily true. There are plenty of low-flow shower heads that are just as effective as traditional shower heads, only they consume less water and energy.
#4) Window Film
What is window film and why should you use it? Basically, window film is a type of adhesive film that's applied over the surface of glass window panes. Once installed, it blocks out some of the sunlight while subsequently reducing the home's energy usage. Window film is inexpensive and easy to install, making it an excellent solution for homeowners looking to create a more energy-efficient home.
#5) Energy-Efficient Appliances
Of course, you can also reduce your home's energy usage by investing in energy-efficient appliances. Whether it's a washing machine, clothes dryer, kitchen, oven or dishwasher, major household appliances such as these consume a fair amount of energy. The good news is that you can replace them with newer, more energy-efficient models to save money. Furthermore, there are federal state programs that offer tax credits for certain energy-efficient appliances. So, while it may require an initial investment, it's usually worth the cost in the long run.