Boost Savings: Home Energy Efficiency Tips & Audits

Energy costs, like everything else in the United States, have been rising dramatically, and there seems to be no end in sight. But there is good news. How would you like to upgrade your home and save money to put into your investments as well? Well, read on.

Do you know how energy-efficient your home is? If not, then find out. Hire an energy auditor. This person will come to your home and perform an assessment of your entire property. All major appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors and all insulation will be thoroughly checked. The entire structure of the home will also be assessed and the property will receive an overall rating. This rating also comes with a report that gives suggestions on how you can make improvements to the home in order to make it more energy-efficient.

There are a number of things that you can personally check in your home that will help you to identify any areas that may need improvement. For instance, inspect your garage walls, your basement, the attic and attic stairway for any major drafts or areas where the insulation is in need of replacement.

Have your central air conditioning system serviced every spring. This will ensure that it is working properly and efficiently. Clean or replace the filter monthly and always check any pipes for leaks and have them repaired as necessary.

Hire a contractor to repair any leaky ducts so that your air and heating systems are operating at maximum efficiency.

If the windows of your home are single-pane glass, consider replacing them with double-pane windows. They are much less drafty and much better insulators.

A programmable thermostat can regulate your home's temperature even when you’re away. Your system will not waste energy (and money) heating or cooling your home when it isn’t necessary.

Consider ceiling fans as an alternative source of cooling. They use a fraction of the energy of air conditioning and are quite effective at keeping a room comfortable.

If you adequate have space around your house, consider planting a tree. A tree can act as a natural cooling system for a house or bedroom window by blocking out the direct sunlight and heat, making it unnecessary to have to cool that area with electrical power.

If planting trees isn’t feasible, you might consider applying a reflective coating on the roof. A dark roof absorbs heat. A lighter covering will reflect the sun’s rays and heat away from the house.

There are a myriad of energy-saving appliances. But check them carefully before you invest in them. Make sure that their claims of energy-efficiency are well-founded.

If you feel that taking the steps to make your home more energy-efficient are worthwhile, but you simply don’t have the money to make the investment, considering getting an Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM). This loan will fund the costs of the improvements to your house if the overall savings in the cost of utilities are greater than the cost of the improvements themselves. Ask your energy auditor to help you determine if this is practical for your home.

By making your home more energy-efficient you can save loads of money on your utility bills and at the same time conserve energy. And you thought you simply couldn’t find any money to invest.