Buying a new house means you can do everything you want to turn it into your dream home. This includes renovation and cosmetics changes. It’s like having a blank canvas and being free to paint whatever you want. So, we suggest directing your artistic drive in an energy-efficient way. In other words, try and think about your environment when you start the renovation process. Not only will this way of thinking and acting save the planet, but it will also save your bank account. Believe it or not, an eco-friendly lifestyle is more affordable than you think. Here is a complete guide on how to make your new home more energy-efficient. Read it carefully!
Better your insulation
The better the insulation, the lesser the heating bills. That’s just a fact. Therefore, if you want to make your new home more energy-efficient, you’ll have to improve your insulation. The areas of the house you want to target are the roof, floors, and walls.
Approximately one-third of heat loss in most households occurs through walls. That’s why wall insulation is a must, regardless of the type of walls you have. Not only will proper insulation save you up to 33% on energy bills, but you’ll also save about 650kg (cavity wall insulation) or 930kg (solid wall insulation) of carbon in a year. So, besides having a fuller bank account, you’ll also do something good for the environment. And the best part is, you’ll have a very cozy and warm winter in your new home.
Draft-proof your doors and windows
Properly sealed doors and windows are essential. No matter how high the number on your thermostat, you won’t be comfortable if your doors and windows are weary and drafty. That’s why draft-proofing is a must if you want to make your new home more energy-efficient. It’s also one of the easiest ways to do so.
We suggest investing in double-glazed windows. Yes, they can be a little pricy, but you’ll be surprised how much heat they can keep in the house. Investing in these kinds of windows will save you about $200 on heating bills a year and up to 80kg of carbon. Therefore, it’s an update with a high ROI. The same goes for your doors, especially the front door.
Updating and replacing doors and windows is a more significant renovation project, so you’ll have to make this experience as easy as possible. Think about your end goal, budget, storage solutions for your belongings, eco-friendly materials, and general organization. This will all help make your home renovation more convenient.
Go for energy-efficient light bulbs
Using energy-efficient light bulbs in your house is a small step you can take on this energy-saving journey that will go a long way. Even though these light bulbs are usually on the pricier side, they last longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. As a plus, they are more budget-friendly than replacing some bigger appliances for more energy-efficient ones.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, for example, consume less than two-thirds of the energy required by regular bulbs while lasting ten times longer. Standard CFLs range in price from $3 to $5 apiece, with a dimmable type costing up to $14. Another great option is LED light bulbs. While they cost about $15 apiece, they are pretty long-lasting, and some of them can even connect with Alexa or Google Assistant. Amazing, right?
Install solar panels
There is no denying that solar panels are one of the best ways to make your new home more energy-efficient and help save the planet at the same time. On the other hand, there is no denying that installing them is not so budget-friendly. However, while they aren’t the cheapest solution, they are more affordable than you think. Here are some of the benefits of installing solar panels:
- They can be used as eco-friendly water heaters
- Solar panels generate electricity for the house, so you’d save a lot of money on the bills
- They encourage people to use fewer fossil fuels, so they are incredibly eco-friendly
- They could help you qualify for annual tax deductions.
As you can see, this is probably the best solution for an energy-efficient home in the long run.
Choose the underfloor heating solution
Many people think that installing underfloor heating is a luxury. What they don’t know is that this type of heating is extremely cost-effective. How is that possible? Well, we all know the fundamental law of physics, which states that heat rises.
Additionally, this type of heating produces the same amount of heat as radiators but at a lower temperature. This is precisely why your bank account will thank you later. So, if you have a well-insulated house and want low energy bills, underfloor heating is an ideal solution for you. As a plus, with underfloor heating, you’ll get more space and a design that won’t hurt anyone’s eyes!
Update the boiler
Believe it or not, faulty boilers can cost you hundreds of dollars in energy bills. That’s why updating yours might be a terrific method to save money in the long run. This is also an excellent strategy to significantly cut your house’s carbon emissions, especially in gas-heated homes where boilers are responsible for 60% of carbon dioxide emissions. So, if you want to make your new home more energy-efficient, make sure to look for boilers that are A or B class. Boilers in these two classes are both cost and energy-efficient. Maybe you’ll spend a few more bucks on them, but your annual expenses will definitely be more satisfying.