5 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

How-To

Being conscious of your home’s energy consumption is good for your wallet (and the planet!)

Earth Day is the perfect time to take stock of your home’s energy-efficiency.

Here’s how to save money in the long run, all while making your home a little bit greener.

Check for Air Leaks

Caulk a window. — *A POWER Master Craftsman uses caulk to seal a window.*

Vents and other fenestration (any opening in a building’s exterior) are necessary for a home to breathe, but also enable air to transfer in and out.

If you’re not sealing your home against too much air leakage, you’re significantly reducing its energy efficiency. Not only are you losing heat or air conditioning, you’re also overworking those systems.

To inspect for air leaks, use these at-home tricks:

Rely on your senses — If you feel either cold or hot air (depending on the season) coming through at your feet or around the frame, that’s a telltale giveaway.
Use a flashlight — If you see any pockets of light shining through into the home where it shouldn’t be, it’s clear that air is also making its way through.
Light a candle or hold a lighter — Move it along all sides of a door or window; if the flame flickers, it’s likely there is an air leakage present.

Sealants like weatherstripping and caulking are designed to keep air inside so you have a well-insulated home without any energy loss.

Insulate

Insulating a structure all starts with energy-efficient products as a foundation, and from there, becomes about layering between your interior and exterior.

Having proper attic insulation can help prevent your HVAC system from having to overcompensate to maintain a comfortable living temperature, which ultimately lowers your utility bills.

Pay attention to insulation’s “R-value” — the higher the R-value of your insulation, the more energy-efficient your insulation is. The recommended R-value for your home varies from region to region, but but R-30, R-38 & R-49 are common for attic and ceiling spaces.

Air seepage can even happen through walls. If your home isn’t a new build, chances are your walls are under insulated, meaning you might have wall cavities or gaps near your door.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Products

Energy-efficient products were created specifically to limit heat transference between your home and the outside.

Energy-efficient windows. — *Newly installed windows by POWER professionals.*

Here are common products that offer energy savings:

Windows — Energy-efficient windows are made from vinyl or synthetic substances and include two panes of glass, an insulated frame and Argon Gas.
Siding — Insulated vinyl siding is bolstered by a foam or cellulose backing, which adds R-value and lowers the chance of cracks or damage.
Doors — Not only do energy-efficient doors benefit the environment, but their sleek aesthetic also increases your home’s curb appeal and results in significant cost savings for your wallet.

Be on the lookout for a product’s energy rating—the balance of three measurements: U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and air leakage. The lower the number, the more energy-efficient the product is across all three measurements individually.

Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature directly from your phone. You can set your desired temperature for an hour or so before you get home, while minimizing the energy your HVAC needs to produce to cool or warm your space.

This allows for maintaining a comfortable environment, but not wasting energy while you’re not there to enjoy it.

Smart thermostats that have an “Eco mode” learn a homeowner’s schedule and routine so that it can be as energy-efficient as possible, according to personal lifestyle.

Go Solar

Energy-efficient solar panels — *Solar panels on a roof.*

Solar panels are one of the best ways to convert the sun’s rays into electricity, which power your home in an energy-efficient and renewable way.

A provider that offers custom-designed panels will help locate the best areas of your roof that are most exposed to the sun’s path. This will help to provide sufficient energy production for as much of the year as possible.

With more financial incentives now to turn to energy-efficient products than ever before, take a look at POWER’s services to help future-proof your home.

Back to News

Culture