It’s often worth investing in your home as this can help to save you money on utilities in the long run. There are several upgrades you can make that will not only reduce your bills but will also add value to your home. A few changes, big or small, can help make a difference and you can decide according to your unique requirements and budget. From installing solar panels, or an entire smart system, to switching to a water-saving showerhead, there are many ways you can make your home more energy-efficient. This will make it more attractive to buyers and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment. Here are ten upgrades you can make that will save you money on your utility bills.
Replace Your Windows
One of the best investments you can make is to replace your windows. You can choose more energy-efficient windows that will help to insulate your home and let in the right amount of light without heat. This will reduce the cost of both heating and cooling your home. New windows will also add value to your property and increase your curb appeal. Get in touch with a window replacement company near you and find out which upgrades would be best for your home.
Install Solar Panels
You can also reduce your energy bills by installing solar panels. These are much more effective than you might think and this isn’t the only way they’ll save you money. As well as reducing your electricity consumption, you’ll also receive a tax credit from the government. What could be more incentive than that? If you're able to install solar panels on your property it’s definitely worth considering the return on investment in the long term. You can power your appliances using natural solar energy and they will also add value to your home. Energy-efficient homes are very popular with today’s buyers.
Solar Outdoor Lighting
If you aren’t able to install solar panels you could still upgrade your lighting and other appliances to solar powered devices instead. Check out these solar string lights, for instance. They are very versatile and can be used both indoors and out. They won’t cost anything to run either. Solar string lights are ideal for decorating your yard or patio space. They create a magical atmosphere and will charge automatically during the day.
Consider A Smart Home System
You could consider upgrading to a smart home system. Your thermostat, lighting, and appliances can all be controlled remotely from a single app. There are several benefits of smart home technology. It allows you to monitor your energy usage and find areas to reduce costs. You can access your smart home system from anywhere so you can switch on your heating when you’re on your way home, for example. It’s customizable and will also adapt to ensure it creates the ideal setting for you. This is why smart home systems are so popular.
Upgrade Your Appliances
It’s also worth upgrading your appliances to more energy-efficient, smart models. Check for appliances that are approved by Energy Star as they have certain criteria to meet. Even though it might be an expensive upgrade, it’s worth investing in more efficient appliances for the money they’ll save you on your utility bills in the future.
Water-saving Showerhead
If you’d like to reduce your water bill as well, an easy way to do this is to upgrade to one of the best water-saving showerheads. These won’t affect the quality of your shower but you’ll waste less water. You could also look into other ways to save water. These include conserving rain water to use for your yard and outdoor projects. You could also reduce your laundry time or the temperature to reduce both water and energy usage.
Seal Gaps And Leaks
In order to prepare your home for winter, you need to ensure your home is properly insulated. Summer is the perfect time of year for a little home maintenance. Carry out weather-stripping and inspect your home for gaps and leaks. You could either seal these off yourself, which is easy to do with caulk sealant, or hire an expert to do it for you. This way less heat will escape during the winter months and you’ll spend less on your gas bill.
Upgrade Your Doors
Heat can also escape through doors so it might be time for an upgrade. Invest in more insulating doors to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. A common type is steel skin with a polyurethane foam insulation core, which shouldn’t need further weather-stripping. It’s also worth considering window shutters in the summer as these will keep the heat from the sun out without the need for air conditioning.
Consider Renewable Energies
There are, in fact, several ways to power your home with renewable energies. These include wind energy, air or ground source heat pumps, a biomass system, or hydroelectric systems. These are becoming more accessible to homeowners and many people are opting to power their homes in a more eco-friendly way. You could consider the best option for you according to your location and the type of property. If you aren’t a homeowner there are several things you can do. Furnaces and boilers are not the most energy-efficient way to power your home but with regular upgrades and maintenance, you can get your energy usage as low as possible.
Regular Maintenance
Regular upgrades and maintenance will help to ensure you keep your home as energy-efficient as possible and your bills low. Have your HVAC system inspected regularly and check if it needs repairing or upgrading in any way. Keep on top of sealing those air leaks off and weather-stripping your doors as well. Make the switch to smart lighting and consider budgeting for new appliances. These little changes can make all the difference and you’ll immediately start to see a reduction in your utility bills. The best thing is, they will also add considerable value to your home.
