Whether you’re tired of paying over-inflated energy bills, or have resolved to become more environmentally responsible, it’s good to know the steps you can take to achieve a more energy-efficient home. Here are nine of them to get you started:
- Change your bulbs. Compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Beef up your insulation. Begin by determining your current level of insulation to see where and how much is needed. A professional home energy audit can help see what’s behind your walls, but if you prefer to do it yourself, focus on the attic and basement. Our part of the Midwest falls into the zone 4-5 category, with recommended attic insulation thermal resistance of between R-38 and R-60.
- Upgrade your HVAC equipment. If your heating or cooling equipment is greater than 10-15 years old, it may make sense to upgrade to a high-efficiency model. Contact your HVAC professional for an in-home quote to see how much energy you could save.
- Choose new appliances wisely. When it’s time to replace small or large appliances, look for the Energy Star label to confirm their energy efficiency. You can use the related EnergyGuide label to draw comparisons between models.
- Seal leaks. Check walls, ceilings, doors and windows for leaks, and seal with weatherstripping or caulking where needed to achieve an energy-efficient home.
- Power down. Use power bars for electronics and turn off when not in use. Small appliances use power even when they’re off, to run internal memory or clocks, so aim to keep them unplugged.
- Switch to low flow. Low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets can save a great deal of energy and water.
- Go solar. Produce your own energy with a professionally installed solar system.
- Raise your glass. Older, single-pane windows contribute to energy loss year round. Consider upgrading or utilize thermal curtains or blinds to minimize loss.
For more energy-efficient home solutions, please contact us at Overland Park Heating & Cooling. Since 1983, we’ve been assisting homeowners in the greater Kansas City and Kansas areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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