Reducing your energy usage at home not only helps the environment but can help you save money on your monthly utility bills. While you can achieve some results through force of habit—remembering to turn the lights off when you leave a room or not running your air conditioner to excess—there are also some interior and exterior home improvements you can make that will do the work for you. Explore some of these energy-conserving upgrades below. 

4 Ways to Lower Energy Waste at Home

1. Improve Insulation 

Your home’s insulation should be checked and possibly renewed every few years, especially if your home has an attic. The better your insulation, the less your HVAC system has to work to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity since you don’t have to worry about heat loss. In a Nebraskan climate, spray foam and cellulose are typically reliable choices.  

2. Update Windows & Doors 

If there are cracks or gaps in your windows or doors, air can flow in and out more freely, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home at the temperature you want.

While caulking and weatherstripping can reduce drafts, consider asking an exterior home improvement professional to replace them with newer and higher quality models altogether if they appear broken or worn down. 

3. Control Light 

Place LED or CFL light bulbs in all your lamps and light fixtures, as they produce light more efficiently than other bulbs.

If you’re replacing your windows, consider making them larger as well to let in more natural light so you don’t have to rely as heavily on electricity.

4. Upgrade Appliances

Energy technology has made many advancements in recent decades, so take advantage of it. Install a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, oven, tankless water heater, and an HVAC system with high Energy Star® scores.

Get low-flow fixtures for all your faucets so that you waste less water. Consider a ceiling fan to help both cool and warm air circulate better. Switch out your old thermostat for a programmable one that allows you to predetermine and time your temperature settings for a week or more. You could also control it remotely with WiFi. 

 
Interested in upgrading to more energy-efficient windows? Talk to the exterior home improvement contractors at Innovations Siding & Windows in Lincoln, NE. With more than 20 years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining windows, entry doors, siding, and other parts of a house, they can improve both the look and functionality of your property. Get a free estimate on their products by calling (402) 423-8831. Learn more about their services online.