5 Effective Home Improvement Ideas to Make It Energy Efficient

Energy is an essential part of your daily life but it is also a significant drain on your finances each year. In fact the average annual electricity bill is in the region of $1,700. That’s why it is important to make any changes you can in order to make your home more energy efficient.

The fact that this approach is also good for the environment is a bonus!

  1. Insulation

Insulation can be added to your roof space and put into your cavity walls. This will create an effective shield to the cold air in the winter and even help to keep your house cool in the summer.

There are several different types of insulation that you can use but the basic premise is the same for all of them. Insulation will prevent heat from escaping; helping you to minimize your energy usage.

  1. Electrical Inspection

One thing that many people don’t consider is having their homes inspected by a component, level 2 electrician. This is important as old wires are liable to lose their shielding. This results in excess energy being lost between the fuse box and your appliance. In short you’ll be using more energy than you need to.

But that’s not the only reason to have your electrical inspected. It is also an effective way of checking everything is working properly and reducing the risk of a fire in your home.

Your electrician can also give you some other handy hints; such as turning off and unplugging appliances when they’re not being used.

  1. Upgrade Appliances

Appliances are some of the worst offenders for energy usage; especially if they are older. Purchasing new appliances can be expensive but it can also be a worthwhile process. The most energy efficient new appliances will save you energy and money; covering the cost of purchasing them within a few short years.

  1. Drapes

Windows and doors are essential in any home; they let the sunlight in which brightens your spirits. Unfortunately these are also the areas where you lose most of your heat. This is why it is important to have drapes, blinds or even shutters.

Using them will help to keep your house warm or cool without having to spend extra money and energy on heating.

It is also worth noting that the sun’s rays can cause color damage to furniture; blocking them occasionally can actually extend the life of your furnishings.

  1. Solar Panels

Finally if you’ve done all these savings and are struggling to reduce your energy bills further then it’s time to consider solar panels. These can be used just to supply you with power instead of drawing it from the grid. Or you can set them up so that excess power is sold back to the grid; potentially allowing you to earn money rather than spend it.

This won’t cut down your energy usage but it will make your home more self sustaining and definitely reduce your energy bills.


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