Eco-Friendly Upgrades That Make Your Home Much More Energy Efficient
If you’re looking to live a greener lifestyle in your home, then you might want to commit to more than just a few simple tweaks. Investing in a more eco-friendly home is not just good for the environment; it’s an investment that can eventually pay off, as well, both in energy-saving costs and the potential value added that they bring to the home. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most impactful things you can invest in.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Ineffective insulation can cost you a lot more in energy than you might realize. If your insulation is patchy or has experienced wear and tear over time, then it can leave gaps in your home where air can transfer freely, making it hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. Adding or replacing your loft, wall, and floor insulation can greatly reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems. You might even be able to get some financial help with installing insulation, depending on where you’re located.
Install A New Roof
A new roof can massively improve the energy performance of your home. For one, you might be replacing an older one that has broken or missing shingles, leading to air leaks and even potential water damage. What’s more, modern roofers might also be able to provide modern roofing options, such as reflective or insulated materials, which might be able to reduce heat absorption in the summer while improving insulation in the winter. When you add to that the potential savings you make by reducing the impact of weather damage in the home, it’s a long-term investment that will certainly end up saving you money.
Upgrade Your Doors And Windows
Just like your roof, your doors and windows can become less energy efficient over time, due to new air leaks and general wear and tear. Replacing them with double or triple-glazed windows and PVC doors with insulated frames can prevent drafts, reduce heat loss, and make it a lot easier to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Enhanced windows and doors can also improve natural light throughout the home, especially if they provide better insulation so that you don’t have to rely on heavy curtains as much.
Harness Solar Power
While likely to be the biggest investment we’ll look at here, solar panel installation can also potentially make the biggest difference in how energy efficient your home is. By converting sunlight into electricity, solar power can reduce your reliance on traditional fossil fuels. When the sun is out, it can even reduce it to zero, over time, saving you enough in energy bills to pay for itself. You may be able to make installation even easier with government incentives or feed-in tariffs, as well as selling off the excess energy you produce that the home doesn’t use.
Each of the upgrades above can make a significant difference in how your home uses energy and, as a result, your energy bills. Consider which of them makes the best sense for your budget and aims.
