How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient?

An energy-efficient home is great to have, but for many, it may seem intimidating and expensive. A lot of people get confused not knowing how and where to start and the actual amount it will cost. But with some basic knowledge, the process can be quite cheap and easy to implement. It all depends on the steps you take. Having an energy-efficient home is not just about reducing the electricity bills at the end of the month. The cause is much larger i.e. to reduce emissions and impact on the environment. The U.S. Environment Protection Agency calls energy efficiency as ‘delivering the same (or more) services while using less energy’. It also states that the majority of carbon emissions come from the use of electricity in residential and commercial properties. So, why not take a step and contribute positively to the environment. It may not be very obvious to start converting your home to an energy-efficient one, but the process is pretty straightforward. The best, and the easiest, step to start with is with good and regular maintenance of your home. Here are a few ways that can help your home achieve a better (and lesser) carbon footprint:

Lighting and HVAC

Did you know that switching your regular light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs can cut down your lighting costs by as much as 75%? Here’s an addition to this fact - CFLs also last way longer than regular bulbs. According to the Department of energy, light bulbs are a significant portion of the electricity usage in your home, compared to the 15% average power used by other home appliances. Light bulbs expend a good amount of heat and due to this, they can mildly alter the temperature of the room. To overcome this, your thermostat has to produce more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you want to avoid this situation, place your light bulb far away from the thermostat reader. This way it does not sense the heat from the light bulbs and mistake it for increased heat in the home. These systems play a big part in the energy efficiency factor of your home. According to the Department of Energy, HVAC appliances amount to nearly 43% of the total energy bills. It is recommended to replace them once they have been used for 12 years. They may be expensive but you will save up to 30% every month on the energy bill. In the long run, this one-time investment can help you save some serious money for years. If you do not have an old cooling or heating system, you can still cut down on the energy consumption by hiring a professional to conduct a duct test in your home. If there are any ducts leaking, they consume a lot of energy. Typically, a duct test costs $325 to $350 depending on where you live. But do call a professional in your area to know your best options and rates.

Solar Panels and Their Benefits

It might seem a big step to replace the regular power source in your home with solar panels, but it is becoming increasingly common among homeowners and even commercial organizations. There are many incentives and processes that make this transition easy, such as rebates, monthly payments, and tax credits, to name a few. The solar panels also have a long life span of 25 + years. So, they offer a great return on investment in the long run. It’s high time that we become conscious of our environment and take small steps to help promote a change. It is for the benefit of our generation and also for the generations to come. Contact Watkins Construction & Roofing Jackson MS today at 601-966-8233