Efficient Home: Six Improvements That Save Money
Having an energy efficient home is very important if you want to save money on your electricity bill. Similarly, there are changes you can make to ensure that your home is safe from intruders. Here is a look at six improvements that will make your home safer, more efficient, and cost effective.
1. Get an Energy Audit
Energy audits are a great way to see where you are being inefficient in your house, in terms of energy costs. When you request an energy audit, the power company will send someone along to your house in a few days. They will look over every place where you have appliances, lights, or other items that require power. They will inform you where inefficient use is taking place, and the types of improvements you can make.
2. Weather Stripping
Many people only think of weather stripping during the winter, but it can be useful all year. Winter stripping is perfect for keeping your house as warm as possible. Similarly, it can keep the heat out during the summer months. Even if you live in Littlefield TX, where it is hot most of the year, weather stripping can be extremely useful.
3. Water Displacement Devices in the Toilet
If you want to save up to 350 gallons of water every month, it is important to try out this water displacement setup. Fill a half gallon container with water, sand, and pebbles. Place the container into the toilet tank, put the toilet lid back on, and continue to flush as you normally do.
4. Energy Management and Home Automation
With the right energy management and home automation setup, you can save a ton of money on utility bills every month. Smart thermostats will only run when necessary, reducing your energy bill, and remote internet/smartphone access will allow you to turn off lights, appliances, and central air conditioning/heating no matter where you are.
5. Solar Energy
By installing solar panels on the roof of your house, you will be able to channel solar energy to power all of your lights and appliances. Solar panels will collect and store energy from the sun, and convert it to usable electricity through a microinverter. With the right wiring and net meters, you will be able to consume electricity directly obtained from the sun.
6. Get a Home Security System
Every home should be protected by a home security system. You may have to pay $15 to $20 a month for the privilege, but there are far more benefits than downsides to a home security system. You will be protected from intruders by motion sensors, door/window sensors, and yard signs that inform people you have a security system set up. Vivint Home Security, for example, provides all of these services, as well as energy-saving home automation and solar panel rentals.
Having an energy efficient and safe home will ensure that you are saving money, helping the environment, and living comfortably. You will be able to enjoy the same appliances and central air systems as before, but you will be creating lower electricity bills in the process.
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Category: Energy
