Energy efficiency is not just for certain people, it is something that everyone can take a part in. The good news is that there are a few ways that you can make your home energy efficient with efficient strategies and products, without having to spend too much money out of pocket. Here are a few things that you should try.

Air Sealing

Sealing your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient. All homes have an air barrier that basically helps to reduce the amount of conditioned air that is lost and replaced by unconditioned air. The faster a building exchanges air with the outside, the more energy is needed to maintain the structure at a comfortable temperature.

Improve the Insulation in Your Home

Your thermal barrier, or insulation, will determine the ability of your home to retard heat flow. The slower your heat leaves your home, the less energy your heating system will use. Your air barrier and thermal barrier should be together and continuous for maximum efficiency. It is very important that you air seal before installing new or additional insulation.

Use Appliances and Electronics Responsibly

Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. There are only a couple of appliances considering worth replacing right away, as far as efficiency goes. The number one appliance is the fridge/freezer. The second would be the washing machine, and a distant third and fourth would be the dishwasher and the non-energy-star dehumidifier.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

Demand-type tankless water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters, which will save on energy costs.

Install Daylighting as an Alternative to Electrical Lighting

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home’s interior. It can be achieved using skylights, light shelves, clerestory windows or light tubes.

Consider Replacing Your Windows

Your windows can also cause you to lose a lot of heat during the winter months, and cool air during the summer months. This can really be detrimental when it comes to your energy costs over the year. Some of the older types of windows aren’t as energy efficient as you would like for them to be. Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are much better than single pane windows and aluminum frames.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is another efficient way to cut down energy usage in your home. When you’re away, set the thermostat to higher temperature and to lower one in cooler months. It doesn’t cost much and the money saved by reducing energy usage can be used to pay for it in few months.

Make your home run on less energy today! Browse the list of Energy Audits and Home Energy Upgrades Services on the HUB.

Thanks for the info from * InterNACHI, Conserve Energy Future and Resilient Life