Seven Essential Home Energy Upgrades
As technology changes, our homes often do as well. For example, modern houses are now being equipped with an array of energy-efficient technologies, so how well are you keeping up? Implement the following simple upgrades, and you’ll utilize some of the most powerful, environmentally friendly, and cost-cutting solutions out there today.
LED bulbs
Start with a simple yet essential swap. Hunt down any incandescent bulbs throughout your home and replace them with LED ones, which not only consume less power (about a fifth as much in many cases) but also last longer on average. For added efficiency, install timers, dimmers, or sensors in both indoor and outdoor areas to limit overuse. You can even find smart bulbs that are compatible with your phone or smart hub, allowing you to voice-activate them and set up low-use modes like “Ambient evening” and “Reading light only.”
Solar lighting
Outdoor lighting features could be some of the most helpful tech you install, and they don’t have to draw from your home’s electric current to operate. Swapping to solar lights can save you money because they’re essentially self-sustaining illuminators that never need to be plugged in. Some types offer even more benefits, such as water resistance, motion detection, and shatterproof bulbs.
HVAC tune-ups
These preventative services can help keep some of your home’s most energy-sucking components in top shape. By checking for potential issues, doing cleanings, and testing mechanical performance, technicians can help promote the most efficient cooling and heating possible. Spring is an ideal time to request a service because it can help prepare you for the hot months ahead, but be sure to make an autumn appointment as well for help with winterization.
Smart thermostat app
Upgrading your HVAC control unit offers a variety of benefits, not the least of which may be compatibility with a smartphone app. The Sensi app, for example, which works with thermostats of the same brand, enables you to regulate the temperature settings while you’re away, build detailed heating and cooling schedules based on your routine, and even track your energy use in real time so you can ascertain periods of overuse and take corrective steps to save money.
Insulation
Instead of solely turning to your thermostat to enhance indoor comfort, though, evaluate how well insulated your home is. An insulation professional can identify any potential faults in your current protection, which may include temperature variations by room or heat escaping through your attic, and then suggest upgrades. These changes can significantly lower your energy bills by reducing heat transfer. In fact, according to the EPA, homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs by air-sealing and adding insulation. And because unprotected areas, like your basement, attic, and garage, can get cold and bring the chill indoors, insulating them can provide supplementary savings.
Smart plugs
For a quick, simple DIY upgrade, install this equipment virtually anywhere you plug in at least two electronic devices. More than just handy forms of protection against electricity currents (like their older cousin, the surge protector), smart plugs can help eliminate phantom power, whereby idle electronic devices such as TVs and set-top boxes continue using energy, needlessly adding to your utility costs. Addressing this problem can potentially save you upwards of $200 per year. For even greater control over your utility usage, opt for a version that can detect energy use, identify major power drains, and even flip on and off in response to your vocal commands.
Energy audit
Did you know that professional energy assessors may be available from your local government or utility company? Book an expert to thoroughly review your property, identify wasteful features, and recommend personalized efficiency upgrades. You can even talk to them about other smart swaps in this guide to determine how else you can make a major difference for the environment while saving serious money.