From Guest Blogger Ian Pearson: Energy Efficient Home Upgrades You Ought To Consider

No matter the season, it is never too late to give a thought to home’s energy efficiency. Saving energy is not a new craze for nothing these days. It’s actually one of the best ways to get the most out of your home and cut any additional future expenses. For example, investing in solar energy could be costly, but the advantages of having a source of electricity available to you are numerous. There are many home upgrades to choose from, so before making any major decision, make your monthly/seasonal budget as to know which of these upgrades is best for your home.

Here are some efficient upgrades you ought to consider:

Lighting upgrade

The simplest way to save on your electricity is by replacing the incandescent light bulb with LED or CFL bulbs. There are many advantages of using these energy-efficient bulbs. First of all, LED lights are a long-lasting solution, even though the cost is higher than CFLs. CFL light is quite convenient because it fits in every light socket. These alternatives are three to twenty times more durable than an average incandescent bulb. In addition, 12 W LED equals to $1, while the regular light bulb energy price for 60 W is $4.80. Keeping in mind that LED last longer, this upgrade is worth your money.

Energy-effective appliances

We often forget that some dated appliances can do more harm than good, especially if an appliance is consuming too much energy. The solution is just to invest in new energy-saving appliances. Therefore, if you have an old refrigerator, it would be wise to recycle it and purchase a new one. Nowadays, there are many suppliers that will gladly recycle any old appliance or electronics. Many of them guarantee to save a great amount of money in energy costs. In other words, you’ll be cutting down your annual bills and saving the environment, too.

Ductwork insulation

Minimize the heat loss by insulating all the ducts in your home. Usually, the cold air gets into your house by ducts, making your expenses rise by thirty percent or more. Since insulating all the ducts is not an easy task, it’s better to leave this work to the professionals if you are not in any way familiar with this process. The experts can advise you on which type to choose, either duct wrap or duct liner. Although each type has its advantages and drawbacks, keep in mind that this investment can you save hundreds of dollars annually.

Insulate your home

A properly done home insulation ensures to keep your home warm during those cold winter days and cool during those hot summer days. This is probably the best energy-saving solution. Its price depends mainly on the insulating method and materials you will use. For example, opt for concrete blocks and foam boards or structural insulating panels. Attic insulation should be your priority as it is the most vulnerable place in the house. It is best to cover the attic with a ten-inch-thick layer. Blown-in cellulose insulation is frequently used instead of fiberglass and it’s eco-friendly, too.

Window upgrade

Install high-quality windows to keep your home at an optimal temperature in winter. Large windows will ensure enough light, so there won’t be any need to excessively use the electricity. Prevent heat waves by setting up window shades. Moreover, window films and tints will hold back the heat waves and reduce the harmful UV light in summer. Therefore, if you want to cool a room facing the sun, give a thought to consulting window tint professionals , so you could get the most out of this cost-effective upgrade.

Heating system upgrade

After your home has been insulated before harsh winter, the next thing to consider is the heat source. Many homeowners are using boilers or furnaces to heat their residence. However, this is neither the cheapest nor the most environmentally friendly option. For that reason, it’s high time you replaced your old heating system with energy efficient heat pumps. Heat pumps are four times more powerful than electrical resistant heaters. Investing in a wood or pellet burning appliance is a good idea, especially if the space that it will occupy is also the room where you spend most of your time.

Solar energy

Another green solution to think about is using solar energy because it is a renewable source of energy and it cost next to nothing. Give a thought to heating the home by using solar panels that absorb sunlight and create electricity. The only thing you require is enough exposure to the sun. There are many materials to choose from when making these solar panels. You can make the solar cell from monocrystalline silicon which is the most efficient, but costly. On the other hand, you can opt for inexpensive thin-film solar cells and save a dime.

Upgrades improve the quality of life

In the end, our goal is to get more by wasting less energy. Thus, not only will you get the most out of your home’s energy, but you shall improve your quality of life and preserve the environment. Whether you choose to switch to energy-effective light bulbs or buy energy-effective appliances, you will save quite a lot on your annual bills. Economize the energy by providing ductwork or attic insulation. With the functional heating system and upgraded windows, you can feel at ease and look forward to the next winter season.