How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Being energy efficient can be good for the environment and your budget. It can also lead to a more comfortable and durable place to put your feet up after a long day. If you're interested in learning how to make your home more energy efficient, read the energy saving tips below.

What is home energy efficiency?

The goal of energy efficiency is to get the maximum amount of use out of a product or service, while using the least amount of energy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, electricity production is responsible for about 31 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. About 67 percent of the electricity we use everyday comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas. Another 12 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by businesses and homes, primarily as a result of burning fossil fuels for heat. These greenhouse gases are bad for the Earth, and almost every living creature that calls Earth home.

But using up energy can also be costly. And as concerns rise over the economic impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of energy only increases. For these reasons, asking how to make your home more energy efficient can be a financially smart decision.

How can you make your home more energy efficient?

Investing in energy efficient appliances can be a good start. There are a number of household appliances that are now sold as energy efficient models. These appliances include washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashing machines. However, one of the greatest investments you can make is purchasing an energy efficient heating and cooling system. Did you know that the average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills? Energy efficient heaters and coolers have the same effects as non-efficient heaters and coolers, but without all of the high costs. Investing in the proper insulation can make an even greater impact.

What are home insulation tips to increase energy efficiency?

Insulation helps save energy by preventing cold air from escaping your home during the summer, when the air conditioner is on. It also prevents the warm air produced by your heater from seeping out during chilly winter months. Placing attic insulation in your attic, where the heat is most likely to rise, can be especially effective.

There are a few different types of insulation. Options include fiberglass insulation, foam insulation and cellulose insulation. Better quality insulation has a higher R-Value, or thermal resistance.

Unfortunately, despite its many benefits, insulation can also provide a nesting area for certain pests and insects. However, choosing the right insulation can lead to greater home energy efficiency and more effective pest control. If pests are a concern for you, consider installing cellulose insulation. This type of insulation is treated with boric acid, one of the least toxic solutions for trying to prevent pests. Enlisting the help of a pest management professional, when deciding what type of insulation to install or replace in your home, can help ensure that your home is both energy efficient and less enticing to certain pests.

Following energy saving tips is a great way to save money and help protect the environment. It can also increase the comfort of your home by keeping the great outdoors just outside your door, instead of letting it creep inside.