5 Ways to Maximize Energy Efficiency at Home

Energy efficiency requires a delicate balance: you want to save energy without sacrificing comfort. Plus, what’s the point of having all those appliances if you can’t use them. This is particularly the case with your HVAC system – you want to find that sweet spot between staying cozy and warm in the winter, and cool and refreshed in the summer, without causing your utility bills to rise. Not to mention, you can also risk causing your carbon footprint to expand too. When it comes down to it, energy efficiency is actually easier than you think – it is all about getting into the right mindset. Here are five ways to maximize energy efficiency at home.

1. Seal your air leaks and drafts. Air leaks and drafts are the number one culprit when it comes to energy inefficiency. This is why you want to take measures to find all of the leaks and drafts in your home – then you want to take measures to seal those drafts. In fact, one of the most important preventative energy saving tips for spring and fall is to seal these leaks before you have to start blasting your heating or air conditioning system.
2. Insulate your attic. Another way to properly maximize efficiency is to re-insulate your attic. If you don’t have insulation in your attic, you want to place some panels along the floor and walls to prevent energy from escaping. When it comes to maximizing the efficiency of your heating or air conditioning system, insulating your attic is the best measure you can take. Not only that, but you may also prevent moisture leaks – when hot air escapes in the wintertime, it can melt ice and snow on the roof, which can wind up leaking back into the house.
3. Use appliances in moderation. It is also important to use appliances in moderation. This means refraining from drying your dishes and waiting until you have a full load to do the laundry. Taking these little steps to moderate your appliance usage will make a huge difference. This is especially the case in the summer and winter – when your energy usage will already be at an all-time high.
4. Maintain your HVAC system. Maintaining your HVAC system is important for the sake of making sure it provides warm and cool air when you need to regulate the climate inside your home, but also because a poorly operating HVAC system will be more expensive to run. If you want to truly maximize energy savings, you want to replace the filter, inspect the unit and make sure the condenser unit is in optimal working condition.
5. Utilize natural methods. Instead of drying your clothes, why not hang them up to dry? Instead of cooling your home with an air conditioner, why not open the windows at night and let a cool breeze inside? You can also plant shade-providing deciduous trees that shade and cool down your home naturally – when they lose their leaves in the winter, the sun will have ample coverage to naturally warm your home. In the end, sometimes the natural way is the best way to maximize energy efficiency at home.