Energy-efficient homes are homes that are designed in a way to use less energy while still providing comfort, and protection and have a nice appeal as a traditional house. People are becoming more and more interested in sustainability and an environmentally aware lifestyle. 

There are many easy ways that can make your home use less energy, simple as switching to LED bulbs instead of using traditional light bulbs. While conserving energy is good for the planet, it also helps you save money in the long run. So, here are 6 easy ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

1. Improve the Insulation

Insulation is number one when it comes to saving energy and having lower energy bills. If your house doesn’t have proper insulation, warm air could escape during the winter months, and you would need to use more heat to warm up your house. This means harm to the environment and higher energy bills. It’s important to have proper insulation throughout your whole house. 

There are different types of insulation for windows, ceilings, floors, and attic. You can click here to find out more about what type of insulation you need. For example, you can put foam insulation around windows and doors. You can call a professional to install the insulation properly or you can do it yourself if you know how to do it. 

2. Avoid Overusing Appliances

Even if you own energy-efficient appliances, you shouldn’t overuse them. In addition, don’t change your thermostat every day, try to keep a comfortable setting because changing too often uses more energy than it should. Also, keep in mind that appliances still use energy when they are plugged into the wall, even if you’re not using them. 

So, don’t forget to turn appliances off when they are not in use. Turning things off means lower electricity bills. 

3. Plan New Trees Around the House

Nice and shady landscaping can keep protecting your house from the sun during summer and winds during winter time. A big tree outside your house doesn’t just look beautiful, but its leaves protect the house from the intense sun and makes the house cool inside. You can also add life inside your house and plant a few plants to get the better air inside of any place.  

4. Solar Panels

Investing in solar panels is a great way to cut down on electricity bills. Solar panels can be installed on the rooftop and produce their own electricity. Solar panels are super cost-effective and energy-efficient. Solar panels are great for those who live in a sunny climate and it’s a definitely great investment in the long run. 

5. Adjust the Water Heater Settings

Adjusting the water heater to a warm setting, which is approximately 120°-130°F. Just by doing so, you can lower electricity bills. If the water heater settings are set up to a higher temperature, you’re just wasting electricity, since you don’t need water hotter than this to wash dishes or your clothes. 

Another great energy-efficient tip is to have low-flow shower and bath fixtures. In addition, you can insulate hot water pipes, so they stay hot longer and don’t cool off so quickly. 

6. Do Laundry More Efficiently

Doing laundry the right way can help you save money in the long run. It’s best to wait until you have a full load than do the half load on a medium setting. Also, only use high-temperature settings when the clothes are really soiled. 

You can also use the dryer the right way. Make sure to clean the lint trap every time the dryer is done. A clean lint trap can dry your clothes faster. Also, excess lint can be a potential fire hazard. If you’re able to, try to air-dry clothes as much as possible. However, if you’re using a dryer machine, make sure to spin-dry or wring clothes before placing them inside of a dryer. 

Final Words

Creating energy-efficient homes doesn’t have to be difficult, as there are many simple steps you can start with. With these 6 easy ways, you can start your process of turning your home into a more energy-efficient household.