3 Smart Ways to Reduce Energy Waste in Your Home

These days, saving on energy bills is important for your wallet and for the planet. Though there are hundreds of ways to reduce your carbon footprint, updating your home’s structure and appliances is especially effective. Here are three ways to get started:

1. Air Seal and Update Insulation
   
   Many homes, especially older ones, are not as well insulated as they should be for maximum energy-saving potential. Adding or updating the insulation in your home could significantly reduce your energy use, and naturally, your annual energy bill. A home energy auditor can inspect your home’s insulation and make recommendations. They may also check doorways, windows, attics, and basements for proper air sealing. If there are areas where warm or cool air is escaping, your furnace or air conditioning is likely working harder than necessary. By air sealing your home, you could save up to 20% annually on your energy bills.
   

2. Switch Lights and Light Bulbs
   
   Few people realize that regular incandescent light bulbs give off 90% of their energy as heat, not light, meaning they are extremely inefficient. Shutting off lights when you’re not in the room simply isn’t enough: change your light bulbs completely. Fluorescent lighting and LED solutions can save you up to 80% in lighting costs. Switching to adjustable and smart lighting appliances can also make a difference. Light dimmers can make sure you use only exactly as much light as you need in any room at any time. Motion-sensor lighting can save your outdoor lighting expenses, and even lights that connect to phone applications can help you make sure you’re not wasting energy by lighting your home while you’re not there.
   

3. Keep Windows Covered
   
   Windows are one of the biggest ways homes waste energy. Windows offer less of a barrier for heat and light to enter or escape a home. To minimize heat loss in the winter, for example, proper window covers are extremely important. Be sure to properly weather strip windows for the winter. Another option to reduce energy lost by windows is tinting windows that receive high amounts of sunlight. This method allows family and guests to still see great views from your windows without too much heat pouring in. In fact, window tinting could save you up to 40% in utility expenses. For window tinting options, consider visiting a tint shop. There, they can discuss solar film options. Any tint shop owner will likely also be able to help you figure out what combination of tinted and regular windows will work best for your home’s energy and natural light.

Whether you call an energy auditor, go online for better light bulbs, or visit a window tint shop, you can reduce costs simply by reducing the amount of light and heat that enters and escapes your home. By following these three simple steps, you can eliminate waste and create a more budget and earth-friendly way of life.