Prime Edmonton Real Estate - Home energy efficiency has changed a lot over the last 50 years. In the early days, people would just use whatever they had to try and make their home more energy efficient. For example, they would line their windows with newspapers in the winter to keep the heat in.
Back in the day, people would do all sorts of crazy things to save money on their energy bills. Some would stuff old rags in the cracks of their doors, while others would hang sheets in front of their windows to keep the cold air out. And still others would huddle around the fireplace all day long, trying to stay warm. Thankfully, there are now much more efficient ways to save energy and money in your home.
Nowadays, there are a lot more options for home energy efficiency. You can buy insulation, window treatments, and heating and cooling systems that are specifically designed to be more energy efficient. And if you're not sure what you need, there are professionals who can help you figure out what will work best for your home.
So if you're looking to make your home more energy efficient, don't worry - there are plenty of options available to you. Just talk to a professional and they'll help you get started. You may be surprised at how much you can save on your energy bills!
Home efficiency is the ability of a home to use less energy to achieve the same outcome. This can be done through a number of methods, such as insulation, proper ventilation, and using energy-efficient appliances. Making your home more energy efficient can save you money on your energy bills, and it's also good for the environment. If you're interested in making your home more efficient, here are a few tips:
1. Insulate your home properly. insulation is one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient. Make sure to insulate your walls, roof, and floor, and use proper insulation materials like fiberglass or cellulose. One of the most important things you can do to make your home more energy efficient is to properly insulate it. This means installing insulation in the walls, ceilings, and floors, and making sure that it is properly sealed so that no air can escape.
Insulation helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. It also helps to protect your home from the weather extremes, which can help to extend the life of your home. If you are considering buying a new home or upgrading your current home, be sure to ask about the insulation options available. You may be able to save money in the long run by choosing a home with good insulation.
There are many types of home insulation available on the market. Some of the most popular types include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Each type of insulation has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right type for your home. Fiberglass insulation is one of the most common types. It comes in rolls or panels, and is easy to install. It's also affordable and can be installed in a variety of different places in your home. However, it can be prone to moisture damage and may not be suitable for all climates. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. It's effective at blocking noise and preventing air infiltration. It's also environmentally friendly and can be recycled when you're ready to update your insulation. However, it can be difficult to install and can be messy. Spray foam insulation is a newer type of insulation that has gained popularity in recent years. It's effective at blocking noise and air infiltration, and is also waterproof. However, it can be expensive and can take some time to install properly.
2. Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature of your home based on your schedule. Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to make your home more energy efficient. A programmable thermostat allows you to customize your heating and cooling schedule, which can help you save money on your energy bills. In addition, programmable thermostats are now very affordable, so there's no reason not to install one in your home.
There are a variety of programmable thermostats on the market, with a variety of features. Some of the most popular features include the following:
- Wi-Fi compatibility: This feature allows you to control your thermostat from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
- Remote sensing: This feature allows the thermostat to measure the temperature in different rooms, and adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Geofencing: This feature uses your phone's GPS to determine when you're home or away, and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
3. Properly ventilate your home. Make sure you have proper ventilation in your home to ensure that air circulates properly and doesn't get stale. This will help keep your home feeling comfortable and also reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Home ventilation is important in home energy efficiency because it removes stale air and moisture, and brings in fresh air. This keeps your home comfortable and helps to reduce the need for heating and cooling.
One more recent tool being used in effectively ventilating a home is the Heat Recovery Ventilation system. Heat recovery ventilation is a system that recovers heat from exhaust air and uses it to preheat incoming fresh air. This can be done manually or automatically, and it's a great way to make your home more energy efficient. By recovering heat from the exhaust air, you can reduce your heating costs by up to 30%.
4. Use energy-efficient appliances. When it comes time to replace old appliances, make sure to choose Energy Star certified models. These appliances have been independently verified to use less energy than their standard counterparts, and they’ll help you save money on your energy bills month after month.
Laundry appliances are a big source of energy consumption in the home, so it’s important to choose the most energy efficient models when you’re shopping. The most efficient laundry appliances are front-load washers and dryers. They use about 50% less energy than traditional top-load washers and dryers.
If you already have a top-load washer and dryer, you can make them more energy efficient by using the right settings. For example, wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and use the shortest cycle that will get the job done. Hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer whenever possible. These simple tips can save you a lot of energy and money over time.
Kitchen appliances account for a large percentage of your home’s energy use. If you are looking to make your home more energy efficient, upgrading your kitchen appliances is a great place to start. Here are some tips for choosing energy efficient kitchen appliances:
- Choose appliances with the Energy Star label.
- Look for models with a high efficiency rating.
- Avoid stand-alone refrigerators and air conditioners.
- Choose ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers, which can save you up to $75 a year in energy costs.
-Opt for a gas stove over an electric stove, as gas stoves are more efficient.
- Use a microwave oven whenever possible instead of an oven or stovetop. Microwaves use far less energy than ovens or stovetops.
5. Educate your family about conserving energy. Children are often unaware of the importance of conserving energy, but if you take the time to educate them about the issue, they can be powerful allies in your efforts to make your home more efficient. Explain why it’s important to turn off lights when leaving a room and encourage them to come up with other ways to conserve energy around the house.
6. Consider solar power. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable, and they offer a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. If you’re interested in solar power, start by doing some research to see if it’s right for your home.
Installing solar power into homes is one of the best and smartest things a home owner can do to increase the efficiency of their home. Not only does it help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, it also helps keep energy costs down and boosts the overall property value of a home. Solar power is a great option for Edmonton homes as the city sees an average of 2,300 hours of sunlight each year. That’s more than enough to take advantage of solar energy and see significant savings on electricity bills. There are a few different ways to incorporate solar power into your home. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most popular method as they can be installed on rooftops and generate electricity from the sun’s rays. Solar hot water systems use the sun’s heat to warm water, which can then be used for things like showers, dishes, and laundry.
7. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, so they’re a great way to save money and reduce your energy bills. Energy efficient light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, and can last up to 10 times longer. This means that you’ll save both money and energy by using them. In addition, they generate less heat, so they’re a safer option for your home.
8. Get your furnace regularly inspected and serviced. One of the best things you can do to make your home more energy efficient is to have your furnace inspected and serviced regularly. This will help ensure that your furnace is running as efficiently as possible, which will save you money on your heating bills. Additionally, if there are any problems with your furnace, they will be identified and repaired before they cause further damage or become a safety hazard.
A furnace inspection typically includes a visual inspection of the furnace to look for any problems, as well as a test of the furnace to make sure it is running properly. The inspector will also check the furnace's filters and clean them if necessary. If you have a forced air furnace, the inspector will also check the ductwork to make sure it is free of any dirt or debris. If you are not sure how often you should have your furnace inspected, most experts recommend that it be done at least once every year or two, or more often if you have an older furnace. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need to have your furnace inspected more frequently.
Living in an energy efficient home is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it can save you money on your monthly energy bills. Additionally, it can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. By making simple changes like using energy-efficient light bulbs and getting your furnace regularly inspected, you can make your home more energy efficient and save money at the same time. If everyone made these small changes, it would have a big impact on our planet's future.
For more tips on how to make your home more energy efficient, visit the Edmonton Energy Efficiency website at www.edmontonenergyefficiency.ca