With our weather slowly beginning to change to cooler temperatures, it’s time to start opening the windows for a little natural refreshment. Over the course of the next few weeks, with a solid pause, there will be yet another opportunity to do the same. If you’re thinking about how your utility bill will again spike as winter spreads, you’re certainly not alone. The good news is, that now is one of the best times of the year to improve your home’s energy efficiency. What’s more, some of these are small, do-it-yourself projects that don’t require a lot of tools, manpower, or experience, just a little time and attention.
Best Time to Improve Home Energy Efficiency
During these next coming weeks, the real estate market traditionally slows, and, with it, the construction market. People are just too busy holiday planning, hosting, and traveling to do much else. This means contractors have less work and it also means that you’ll find better deals on materials, certain appliances, and other things you need to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Retailers and consumers shift their collective focus away from home improvement during this time of year to things such as electronics, toys for small and big kids, travel items, clothing, and even automobiles.
”Your home is your place to rest, play, and spend time with your family. It should be a place of comfort, and this comfort need not come at a high cost. Many homes, however, waste a lot of energy in ways that can be prevented.” —Realty Times
With this dynamic taking place, why not take advantage to save a bit of money on some home improvement projects that will continue to payoff into the future in the form of lower monthly utility bills. Even if you live in a newer home, chances are that some of these steps will be helpful. It all starts with a bit of due diligence, and, you can get things started with a residential home energy audit provided by the Orlando Utilities Commission. This will reveal some areas where your home is wasting energy and what you can do to stop it.
How to Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Home
To improve energy efficiency in your home, you’ll not only have to identify problems, but address them as well. We all have heard the advice about taking shorter showers, recycling and repurposing, turning off lights and ceiling fans, and setting the inside temperature to an appropriate level. However, there are other ways to improve energy efficiency in your home:
- Check windows and doors and replace or repair. Windows and doors are notorious for allowing heat or cold to creep in and letting cold or heat seep out. Check caulking and weatherstripping around these fixtures. If the windows are old, consider replacing them with Low-E, double pane windows to increase energy efficiency.
- Install a tankless water heater in your home. While this is an added expense, you’ll be able to take advantage of rebates and other incentives. What’s more, you’ll save money over the long term, and, if your current water heater is in good condition, you might be able to sell it to offset the cost.
- Upgrade the insulation to keep waste and transfer to a minimum. Insulation is designed to provide a barrier between the outside temperature and the inside comfort level, as everyone knows. Insulation wears over time, making it less effective. Upgrade the insulation and also seal the ductwork to work wonders for helping to cut down on energy waste.
- Install a system-compatible, programmable thermostat. These devices might cost more upfront, but, will make up for the purchase with the money you save trying to keep your home comfortable around your schedule. Be sure that it’s compatible with your HVAC system, though.
Yet another step to take is to upgrade your major appliances. You can find pre-holiday deals, or, wait until after the holidays to save. For more savings, turn to the scratch and dent floor models.