Energy Saving Improvements You Can do Yourself

How much, on average, do you spend on your home energy bills? It might surprise you to learn that, for the average family, it can be around $2,000 per year. If more families decided to automate their energy bills with some of the most typical time delay relay timers it might improve this. Unfortunately, a lot of this expense is wasted thanks to poorly insulated windows, doors, and attics, or inefficient heating and cooling systems. Lucky for you, there are several energy efficiency home improvements you can do yourself. Not only will they help you save energy, but you’ll also be saving money too. Here are eight of the best home energy efficiency improvements you should consider making this year.

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat – With a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to set your climate control systems, so they achieve the best temperature in your home at the lowest cost. Using a programmable thermostat, you’re able to turn down the temperature when there’s nobody at home or when everyone has gone to bed. Once programmed, it will alter the temperature without any further input from you. There are also smart thermostats you can control using your mobile device. When you’re on your way home from work, you can switch on the heating, so you’re welcomed back with the temperature just as you like it.
2. Replace Appliances with More Energy Efficient Ones – If the appliances in your home are more than 15 years old, you might benefit from an upgrade. Newer appliances tend to be more energy efficient.
3. Install New Doors and Windows – A quick fix is to add weather stripping or caulking around your windows, but if your home has single-pane windows, this might not be enough. New windows and doors will be much better at keeping the indoor temperature at a regular level because less hot or cold air is allowed to escape, and double glazing will be even more energy efficient to help save on heating bills. Have a look and check out this double glazing website to get a look at the different styles and levels of energy efficiency.
4. Add Extra Insulation in the Attic – How much insulation you need in your attic depends on where you live. The US Department of Energy has produced a very helpful guide. Hot air rises, which makes the attic one of the culprits when it comes to your home losing heat.
5. Install Ceiling Fans – If you’ve got air conditioning in your home, use a ceiling fan to circulate air around your house, rather than turning on the air conditioning, as they’re much cheaper to run.
6. Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures – Low-flow plumbing fixtures, as in showerheads, faucets, and toilets use the minimum amount of water needed. Some models you buy can be adjusted to suit your own needs. Within a few months, this type of improvement will have paid for itself.
7. Consider Solar Panels – Home solar systems are a sound investment to make because they not only increase your home’s value; they also reduce the size of your electricity bills. If you want to learn more, visit Goingsolar.com.
8. Insulate Your Water Heater Tank – Insulating your hot water tank is an easy and inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency. New tanks tend to be insulated already; however, if you’ve got an older one, insulating it could reduce standby heating costs by as much as 45%.