With the constant increase of energy cost and the constant awareness on the effects of global warming, homeowners are looking for ways on how to reduce energy consumption at home. Despite the high costs associated with large scale renovations, there are numerous practical and effective ways of minimizing energy use and therefore, costs.
One of the most effective and cost efficient methods is insulation. One of the most effective things a homeowner can do to save energy in their home is to seal up drafts around the windows, doors, and attic. This work can be done by the homeowner using caulk, weatherstripping, and insulation tape or hire a professional in order to get a more elaborate work done.
Another simple and cheap intervention is replacing conventional light bulbs with LED light bulbs. LED bulbs consume 80% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs and also have a longer lifespan, which makes it cheaper to use in any home. One advantage of LED bulbs is that homeowners can replace old bulbs with LED bulbs as the old ones die out, this will be cheaper in the long run.
Purchasing energy efficient appliances also go a long way in helping to cut costs. When it is time to buy a new appliance, choose one that has the ENERGY STAR label, which means it has been rated for efficiency. Though these appliances may be expensive in the market, they will prove economical in the long run since they consume less power.
For those homeowners who can afford to spend a little more on the upfront costs, solar panels can save homeowners a lot of money in the long run and even earn them money through net metering. Most of the solar firms provide customers with special financing or lease schemes that facilitate the installation process.
Through the application of these strategies, homeowners can construct an energy efficient house at a relative cheap cost. The important thing is to focus on those projects that have higher potential and lower cost and to utilize rebates, tax credits, and financing sources as necessary. As the following tips indicate, it is possible to make good changes towards making your home environment greener and cheaper in the long run.
