Going Green, Home Improvement

7 Upgrades for an Energy-Efficient Home

According to Homes.com’s recent housing industry news, California and Texas comprise 26 percent of the energy-efficient residential homes listed on Homes.com – and approximately 7,000 energy-efficient listings available on Homes.com were built after 2014 alone! Clearly the shift to energy-efficient housing is widespread and happening quickly! If you’re environmentally conscious or simply enjoy saving money, follow these tips to reduce your carbon footprint and upgrade your home to be more energy-efficient.

EnergyEfficiency

#1 Programmable thermostats

Control the temperature by programming it to turn on/off at specific times. Even better, the Nest Learning Thermostat learns your schedule and you’ll be able to control it with the app whether you’re home or traveling on vacation. Find out how much you could save.

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#2 Compact fluorescent light bulbs

Compared to regular light bulbs, they will last you 4 to 10 times longer.

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#3 New dishwasher

Did you know that older dishwasher models use as much as 10 gallons per cycle? Now compare that to an average of 5.8 gallons for newer models – talk about water conservation!

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#4 Low-flow fixtures

Reduce even more water consumption by installing a low-flow toilet, or save big and convert the toilet you have with this nifty DIY project.

#5 Smart power strips

Your appliances and electronics still use power when they’re plugged into your power strip, even when you’re not using them. Reduce phantom power, your carbon output, and your electricity bill – all by using smart power strips, which shut down your appliances and electronics that go into standby mode, or whenever you schedule them.

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#6 Caulk and weatherstripping

Caulk and weatherstrip your windows and doors to ensure that your home is properly insulated, so that your heating and cooling is much more efficient. Watch the video on how to properly apply caulking.

#7 Upgrade Insulation

A home energy audit allows you to pinpoint everything from the type of insulation you have in your home to specific areas that may need improved insulation. Over time, you’ll be able to pay this upgrade off, start saving, and be much more comfortable. If you live in an apartment or need something immediate or more budget-friendly, consider thermal curtains or shades. These will help retain heat during the winter and block the heat during the summer to keep your home cool.

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Most importantly, practice good habits. Simple choices, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, not letting the faucet run when you brush your teeth, and opening the door or windows to cool off will go a long way. Have any energy saving tips? Be sure to share in the comment section below!

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