Old homes have a certain charm about them, but the technology and solutions that they utilize generally don’t translate into energy savings. Old appliances and various structural choices typically require more energy and more money. So, what are the solutions? Here are three smart upgrades for a more energy-efficient home that will help you keep costs down and promote more effective energy usage.
1. Smart Thermostats: Automate Heating and Cooling Efficiency
Traditional thermostats have quickly gone out of style, especially with tech advancements today
. If you haven’t already, it’s time to install a smart thermostat in your home. Smart thermostats offer a wide range of energy-saving benefits, including turning off when it detects no movement in the home, adjusting to your schedule to heat and cool your space in a way that best suits you, and control heating and cooling remotely so you can maintain full control over your HVAC system. Given how easy it is to keep your air conditioner or heater running and forget about it, these systems make it easier to become more energy-efficient. Better yet, this can greatly reduce your energy bill!
2. Solar Panels: Harness Renewable Energy and Save Money
Renewable energy is a major focus for homeowners today. If you’re someone who lives in a state where it’s practically always sunny, one form of renewable energy to take advantage of is solar energy. Solar energy panels make it easy to cut down on energy costs by turning sunlight into electricity. More than that, these renewable energy solutions have been shown to reduce heat on your roof. This means that your house will be better insulated and easier to keep cool or warm. Of course, you also get all the energy credits and tax credits that come along with using these systems. Some states may even pay you to install them.
3. Chimney Caps and Dampers: Prevent Heat Loss and Drafts
Chimney caps and dampers are two important chimney products that all homes need to have. Whether you’re getting your roof done or building a home from scratch, both the caps and the dampers serve to keep things out. Caps keep water and other environmental hazards out of your chimney and home while dampers make it easier to shut cold air out and keep your house nice and warm. If you have both of these items installed in your home and they’re in good condition, they can save you money by allowing you to improve the insulation within your home.
Energy efficiency is something that every homeowner should focus on. When you’re more energy efficient, you’ll be able to save money that you would otherwise spend on utilities that you’ve been using to try to keep your home running optimally. You can get started on making your home more energy-efficient with the suggestions above. With the right smart technologies and proper care and maintenance of certain areas of your home that are easily worn down, you can make sure your home is one of the most energy-efficient in the neighborhood.