You've heard it before - creating an energy efficient living space is all the rage. From light bulbs to appliances, there's an energy efficient model on the market. If you've been considering making a few energy efficient upgrades to your home or apartment, know that you don't have to spend a fortune! There are plenty of simple, affordable ways that you can upgrade your home that will make a big, lasting impact. Discover some small home improvements that will make a big difference.
Swap those lightbulbs.
If you can't remember the last time you changed your light bulbs, chances are it's time to make an upgrade! Swapping your old bulbs for their energy-efficient counterparts can help you save on your electric bills. Energy-efficient lights such as halogen incandescent, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produce much less energy, which results in instant savings for you on your electric bill.Upgrade your thermostat.
Lowering your thermostat throughout the day o stay comfortable while saving energy, you should adjust your thermostat throughout the day. Doing so helps prevent the air conditioning unit from kicking on as frequently. In addition to lessening your home cooling costs, adjusting your thermostat prevents putting extra stress on your AC unit and ultimately burning out. If you don’t want to have to worry about remembering to adjust your thermostat manually invest in a programmable one. In addition to being easy to use, you can adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere through a wireless connection.Update your window treatments.
If your apartment has a lot of windows, you probably don't realize how much of the summer sun sneaks through. It can get really warm on especially hot days, causing your air conditioning unit to work harder. Help lessen the amount of sun that comes in through the windows by investing in sun-limiting window treatments. Look for room darkening shades or blinds to minimize the amount of sun (and heat) that gets in throughout the hot summer days.Monitor your appliance use.
No household is complete without appliances, but older models can be an extreme energy suck. This is especially true during the summer. To lessen the energy impact of your home's appliances, unplug them when they aren't in use. Try to avoid duplicate appliances, like multiple refrigerators, as these can be a huge energy suck.Re-caulk windows and doors.
Old, peeling caulk is one of the most detrimental things to an energy-efficient home. Holes and cracks in caulking can allow all of the cool air you're pumping into your home to leak out, forcing your AC unit to work harder for no reason. Re-caulking around windows and doors can help seal any cracks and holes that may be present, preventing this problem. If you're unfamiliar with the caulking process, you can search online or ask for advice at a home improvement store.Many people don't know that energy-efficient improvements can be quick and affordable projects that leave a strong impact. Follow these home tips to upgrade your living space and start saving money!