If you’re currently living in a home that was built before the 1970s, chances are it’s not quite as energy efficient as it could be. Whether you home has an inefficient HVAC system or drafty windows, these issues can be costing you a great deal of money on your energy bills if they haven’t been upgraded to the new, higher standards of today.

Energy Efficient Home Renovations

Making some energy efficient home renovations doesn’t have to completely drain your bank account. There are actually some affordable, easy ways to make your home more energy efficient- and you’ll be saving money in the grand scheme of things.

Some of home improvements to make your home more energy efficient that you should consider adding to your renovation list include:

• New lightbulbs. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs have been on the market for several years now, and if you’re still using the old bulbs, it’s time to swap them out with the new ones. Even the new incandescent bulbs are 30% more energy efficient.
• Seal it up. Grab the caulk and seal up any of those cracks around window and door frames. Not allowing cold air to seep in anymore will help lower those energy bills.
• Solar lighting outside. If you enjoy spending time out in your yard, get rid of those electric lights and replace them with solar lighting. Solar lighting soaks up energy from the sun throughout the day and will easily light up your pathways at night.
• Install a high efficiency water heater. A new water heater can help lower your monthly energy costs, because water heating takes up around 25% of the annual energy usage in your home. Tank-less water heaters or even just a better insulated water heater are considered a significant upgrade over an older unit.
• Add more insulation. Putting additional insulation in your attic can help keep your home more comfortable year round.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Using a programmable thermostat is a simple way to make your home more energy efficient. It’s estimated that you can save around $180 per year on your energy bills with a properly programmed thermostat.
• Replace old windows and doors. Replacing drafty windows can be quite an expense initially, but it’s definitely one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Over time, you can usually end up saving more than the cost of the windows! Likewise, if the doors to your home aren’t sealing properly, it’s time to replace them with a good, solid door.
• Upgrade your HVAC system. This can be another fairly costly upgrade, but if your current system is getting up there in age, it may be time to start considering a more energy efficient alternative. Before replacing your HVAC system, it’s recommended to make sure your home is well insulated and sealed.
• New appliances. Consider the age of your current appliances and decide which would do well to be replaced with an energy efficient version. Refrigerators are the best appliances to replace for better energy efficiency, along with washers and dryers. Replacing any appliance with an energy efficient version, however, can make a significant difference.

Have questions about making your home more energy efficient? If you’re in the Cleveland area, give us a call at 216-663-6462.