10 Ways to Enhance Energy Efficiency in Your Home

July 12, 2017

Suffice to say that most homeowners would genuinely like to be more energy efficient. The truth is – it’s easy to create enhanced energy efficiency in your home – it’s just a matter of ongoing commitment and discipline. For many people, an Energy Efficiency Checklist is all they really need to succeed. Bottom line, enhancing energy efficiency in your home can quickly translate into significant dollar savings throughout the year.

Today, there is a great deal of focus on improving home energy efficiency. On a personal front, the best place for a homeowner to start is at home. As such, there are a number of things you can do to enhance the energy efficiency in your home. In some cases, creating more energy efficiency in your home is about doing small things, but it’s also about doing some bigger things, things that require some upfront investment.

1.  Replacing Incandescent Bulbs

For long life and energy efficiency, Halogen bulbs and LED bulbs are the ideal over incandescent bulbs. By switching to “greener” bulbs throughout the house, homeowners can reduce energy consumption in a very simple way, and save money on replacement bulbs.

2.  Lowering the Thermostat

Dropping the temperature in winter by a few degrees can reduce the monthly utility bill noticeably. The same is also true in the summer my moderating the use and level of the air conditioning. Thermostats should be adjusted when away from home.

3.  Stop Running the Water

Running the water needlessly when brushing teeth or shaving is simply a waste of water. More importantly, a bath uses up at least 4 times the water when compared to a shower. Finally, laundry loads should be full loads – half loads waste water.

4.  Unplugging those Chargers

Cell phone chargers and device chargers actually use energy. And while one charger won’t make a big difference, many chargers throughout the house add up to wasted energy use. As a good rule, chargers should be unplugged when not in use.

5.  Cold Water for Laundry

Today, there’s not much reason to run the washing machine using hot water. Cold water does a satisfactory job, and warm water is also an option. Using cold water for every laundry load saves a significant amount of energy and therefore cost.

6.  Windows Weather-Stripping

Sealing air leaks around windows and doors makes a big difference when heating and cooling the home. And while a “quick-fix” might do for the season, having this work done professionally will deliver significant energy savings for years to come.

7.  Upgrading Attic Insulation

Upgrading attic insulation with GNI will prevent air leakage and improve heating and cooling performance dramatically. With the right insulation product, and a professional installation, the utility savings can quickly offset the initial project investment.

8.  Performing an Energy Audit

By contracting a professional Energy Auditor, your home can be evaluated for performance inefficiencies and wasted energy. An Energy Audit will pinpoint areas of the home that require improvement, along with potential savings opportunities.

9.  HVAC Equipment Tune Up

When HVAC equipment (heating and cooling) is running at peak efficiency, far less energy is consumed. An HVAC tune up will do wonders for home comfort, energy savings, and replacement costs. It’s key to achieving energy efficiency in your home.

10.  Homeowner Action Plan

For homeowners committed to improving home energy efficiency, Great Northern Insulation offers an online tool to get things going. My EnergyXpert can accurately assess the home, and identify areas that can be improved.

For more information about home energy efficiency, contact Great Northern Insulation at 1-800-265-1914 or visit www.gni.ca .