10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Making your home more energy-efficient is a great way to save money on your energy bills and help the environment. Here are 10 ways you can make your home more efficient.

Install energy-efficient light bulbs

There is no doubt that old light bulbs can drain energy and resources. These outdated bulbs tend to waste electricity as they generate excess heat, which destroys valuable energy and adds strain to your electricity bill. But making the switch from old light bulbs to newer energy-efficient ones is an excellent way to save money and energy in the long run.

This improved lighting technology uses fewer watts, but it also typically lasts much longer than its predecessors. What's more, because these newer bulbs produce less heat, they can help you keep your home cooler during the summer months, reducing your need for air conditioning and further cutting down on costs.

So if you're looking for a smart way to save money and lower your environmental footprint, replacing your old light bulbs with energy-efficient ones is definitely the way to go!

Install solar panels

At the heart of every modern home lies a need for energy. Whether we're cooking, heating our floors, or charging our phones, power is essential to living and functioning in today's world. However, traditional sources of energy like oil and gas can be costly and harmful to the environment, and heavy on the electric bill.

This is where solar panels come in. Not only do solar panels harness renewable sources of energy like the sun, but they also offer tremendous savings on your monthly energy bill by lowering your reliance on traditional fuels.

Furthermore, because solar power does not produce any harmful emissions, it helps to improve air quality and reduce our carbon footprint. So if you're looking for a way to save money on your energy bills and contribute to a sustainable future for all, solar panels are the perfect choice for you.

Seal cracks and leaks in your home's insulation

A little fixing can save you a lot of energy. Sealing cracks and leaks in your home's insulation is one way to make your home more energy-efficient. By filling in the gaps, you can help keep heat from escaping in the winter and cool air from escaping in the summer.

As a result, your home will be more comfortable and your utility bills will be lower. In addition to sealing cracks and leaks, you can also add additional insulation to your home. This will help to reduce heat loss further and improve your home's energy efficiency. By taking some simple steps, you can make a big difference in your comfort and wallet.

Install a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats are a great way to save energy and money in your home. By automatically adjusting the temperature of your home based on your behavior and schedule, these devices can help you stay comfortable while keeping your energy bills under control.

Additionally, many smart thermostats allow you to remotely monitor and control your home's temperature from anywhere, which makes it easy to ensure that everything is running smoothly no matter where you are. With so many benefits from installing a smart thermostat, it's no wonder that more and more homeowners are turning to these innovative devices for help with their increasing energy costs.

If you're looking for a simple way to reduce your energy use, don't hesitate to invest in a smart thermostat today!

Upgrade your appliances to Energy Star certified models

As appliance models change over the years, they become more and more efficient. This is due in part to government regulations, as well as market competition.

As a result, upgrading your old appliances to newer, Energy Star certified models can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bill. In fact, Energy Star estimates that upgrading to a certified refrigerator could save you up to $260 over the course of the year.

Certified dishwashers and clothes washers can save you hundreds of dollars each year. And while energy-efficient appliances may have a higher initial cost, the long-term savings are hard to ignore.

So if you're looking to cut down on your energy expenses, upgrading to Energy Star certified appliances is a great place to start.

Set your water heater's temperature to no higher than 120 degrees

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heaters account for approximately 18% of a home's energy usage.

As a result, even small changes to the temperature setting can significantly impact your energy bill. For example, setting your water heater's temperature to 120 degrees can save you up to 10% on your energy bill.

In addition to saving money, this change can also help to protect your pipes from damage. Water that is too hot can cause pipes to expand and eventually burst, leading to costly repairs. By making this simple adjustment, you can stay comfortable and save money on your energy bill.

Upgrade your HVAC system

When it comes to saving energy in your home, upgrading your HVAC system is one of the most effective strategies. By optimizing your heating, cooling, and ventilation processes, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and minimize your impact on the environment.

One of the best ways to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system is to install a programmable thermostat. This advanced device enables you to set different temperature settings for other times of day or days of the week, allowing you to turn down the heat during unoccupied hours and save money on your energy bills.

Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning will help ensure that your HVAC system is working at peak efficiency. With just a few simple steps, you can help save energy and protect the planet with an upgraded HVAC system.

Install ceiling fans

In the summer months, fans are a must to stay cool. Many people forget about ceiling fans and only use portable fans, which can be costly. Installing ceiling fans is not as expensive as one might think, and the benefits are great. For example, you can save on your energy bill by using ceiling fans because they help circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler without lowering the temperature on your thermostat.

This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Ceiling fans come in a variety of styles, so you can find one that fits the look of your home.

They are also easy to install, so there is no need to hire a professional. If you are looking for a way to save money and energy in your home, install ceiling fans today.

At TruBlue we have helped many seniors and other adults install ceiling fans. 

Plant Trees

When it comes to saving energy in your home, few things are as helpful as trees. Planting trees around your home can help to block out the sun during the summer months when it is overbearing and keep in the heat during the winter months when you could really use a boost.

Additionally, trees can act as natural windbreaks, reducing breezes from outside and helping to keep your house cool even on hot summer days. Because trees also add valuable moisture to the air, they can also help you to save money on your HVAC bills by keeping your home more comfortable throughout the year. So if you're looking for an easy way to save on energy costs, be sure to think about adding some trees around your home.

Their numerous benefits will surely make them a worthwhile investment.

Switch to energy-efficient heating sources

When it comes to heating our homes, you have many options. Some people prefer the convenience and lower costs of traditional gas or electric systems. In contrast, others may opt for more unconventional methods, such as geothermal heating or a wood-burning stove. Whatever your preferences may be, there are many benefits to switching to an energy-efficient heating source.

For one thing, using a geothermal system or a wood-burning stove can be much more environmentally friendly than other options. These heating sources rely on natural resources like sunlight and biomass to operate, which means they don't produce as many harmful byproducts that contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, these heating sources tend to be more cost-effective in the long run because less energy is needed to keep your home warm throughout the winter months. So if you're looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize your energy costs, switching over to a geothermal system or a wood-burner may be what you need.

There are many simple and effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient. Whether you invest in a programmable thermostat, plant some trees around your property, or switch to a geothermal heating system, you can do your part to help the planet and save money at the same time.

For help with home projects, call TruBlue of Plymouth & Maple Grove

For a professional and hassle-free way to implement energy-efficient upgrades, trust TruBlue of Plymouth and Maple Grove! Whether you need help installing energy-efficient light bulbs, sealing cracks, or upgrading appliances, our experienced handyman team can take care of it all. Save time, avoid frustration, and ensure the job is done right the first time.