According to the Energy Information Administration, US households consumed 5.1 quadrillion British thermal units of electricity in 2022. This is a 3% increase from last year, which doesn’t bode well for the country’s goals to become more energy efficient.
The good news is that much of the electricity purchased comes from the growing number of solar-power companies scattered across the country. Thanks to the rapid rise of solar and smart technology, our dreams of owning energy-efficient homes are closer to reality than ever before.
So, if you want to save for years to come, it makes sense to buy an energy-efficient home or take steps to improve your existing home to meet these standards.
Keep reading to find out what makes energy-efficient homes tick.
Thermal Envelope
The term thermal envelope applies to everything that separates the interior of a home from the outdoor environment. It includes the following:
- Walls
- Roof
- Windows
- Weatherstripping
- Caulking
The best way to ensure your building’s envelope is as energy-efficient as possible is to ensure it’s leak-free and made from the most sustainable and durable materials possible. Energy-efficient materials include:
- Recycled Steel
- Wood
- Bamboo wood alternatives
- Insulated concrete walls
- Structural insulated panels
- Vacuum insulation panels
Sealing leaks is one of the best ways to ensure your building maintains an even indoor temperature and reduces the energy you use for heating and cooling.
Make sure you seal the following areas tight to stop air from leaking in or out of your home:
- Windows and doors
- HVAC ducts
- Pipe wall penetrations
- Attic hatch openings
- Exterior wall outlet boxes
Ask your home inspector to check for any air leaks. They can also offer good advice for improving your building envelope.
A cool roof helps reflect the sun’s heat and keep your interiors cooler. If you prefer a darker-colored roof, you can apply a membrane over the top of it to help deflect the heat.
An experienced roofing contractor can help you improve your roof’s energy efficiency.
Excellent Insulation
Effective insulation is one of the main components of every energy-efficient home. It’s vital for preventing the flow of hot and cold air between the inside of your home and the great outdoors.
Losing heat through your roof and walls means your HVAC must work much harder and use more electricity to keep temperatures comfortable inside.
Your home’s insulation should have an R-rating that suits your climate and be in good repair to do its job efficiently. Get a home inspector or insulation installer to check your insulation to ensure it’s doing its job.
Double- or triple-glazed windows are excellent options for preventing heat transfer through the glass. You can also install energy-efficient window film to help seal your home against outdoor temperatures.
Energy-Saving HVACs (and more)
Your HVAC system consumes more energy than any of your other home appliances. It’s vital to carry out routine maintenance on your HVAC for maximum energy efficiency.
The most energy-efficient homes have modern HVAC systems that use much less electricity than older models.
As a quick fix, you can try setting your thermostat at a higher temperature during the summer and a lower temperature in the winter. This small change can reduce your energy consumption considerably, and you’ll soon get used to the small change in temperature.
If you’re looking at a new HVAC, consider one of the new smart varieties, which shut down when there’s no one at home. You can switch these HVACs on using your smartphone before you leave work so your home is at a comfortable temperature when you arrive home.
Heat pumps are far more energy-efficient and eco-friendly than conventional HVACs. These devices use geothermal energy or air from the outdoors to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Don’t underestimate how effectively a well-placed tree can help keep your home cool, either. A shady garden helps keep your home sheltered and cool. Be sure to choose indigenous specimens for your landscaping, as they’re more water-wise than exotic species.
Tankless Water Heaters
Your water heater uses electricity to heat and reheat a tank of water twenty-four hours a day, so you can enjoy hot water on tap. It doesn’t need to be that way.
Tankless water heaters use minimal amounts of electricity or gas to heat water on demand. With a tankless water heater, you use a lot less electricity and never run out of hot water.
While you’re upgrading your water supply, consider installing low-flow taps and showerheads so you can save on water, too.
Energy Star Appliances
Most EPA-certified, energy-efficient appliances have Energy Star ratings. These certifications make it easy for consumers to choose the most efficient options while shopping for new appliances.
The blue Energy Star mark on an appliance guarantees that the appliance uses a minimal amount of electricity during operation.
You’ll see this mark on a huge range of appliances, from air conditioners to electronics.
If you’re gradually working your way toward a more energy-efficient existence, it makes sense to start by replacing the most energy-hungry appliances first, i.e., your refrigerator and dryer.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
While one lightbulb doesn’t use a lot of energy on its own, lighting your whole house quickly adds up to a lot of energy consumption.
LED lights use around 20% of the energy that halogen bulbs do and last much longer. They also emit more light and less heat.
Replacing your old lightbulbs with LED lights is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce your home’s energy use.
Energy Star-rated fixture features like timers and dimmers can also have a positive impact on your energy use.
Alternative Energy Solutions
Electricity is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions and is also an expensive monthly cost for most households. Solar panels and wind turbines are excellent ways to eliminate or cut down on your electricity bills.
If you can’t afford the initial costs of solar power, you can opt for solar leases or power purchase agreements so you can enjoy the benefits of a solar power home.
Solar power is by far the most impactful and environmentally friendly way to reduce your home’s reliance on electricity. Plus, you can look forward to enjoying locally based incentives when you get solar in your area.
Smart Home Automation Systems
Smart systems are the ultimate home energy solutions that control every aspect of your electricity usage. You can monitor and control these internet-enabled devices from an app on your smartphone for effortless home management.
Many smart devices are voice-activated via Alexa or Google Home, too.
You can program your smart home to switch on lights, heating and cooling systems, and even music at certain times, and adjust these settings via your phone. They ensure you don’t waste resources by heating, cooling, and lighting an empty home.
Smart devices can detect inefficiencies in electricity, water, and gas usage to minimize waste. This technology is evolving rapidly, but you can look into the following ones right now:
Leak and Freeze Detectors
You place these small detectors near water sources, hot water tanks, and sinks. If they detect any problems, they will notify you by phone so you can take action before too much waste or damage occurs.
Thermostats
A smart thermostat helps save energy by shutting down your home’s heating and cooling systems when you’re not at home. An early study demonstrated that these affordable devices can reduce home energy consumption by as much as 28%.
Appliances
Smart appliances notify you when they need repairs to help you avoid wasted energy costs from running faulty appliances. A smart dryer can even help you save electricity by advising you on the best times to do your laundry based on off-peak electricity charges.
Smart Plugs
Your electronics and appliances still use small amounts of energy when they’re in standby mode. These small amounts add up to considerable waste over months and years.
Smart plugs shut off when they’re not in use, so you don’t waste unnecessary electricity. Built-in surge protectors ensure your equipment isn’t harmed by power surges during this process.
Other smart gadgets include lights, sprinkler systems, and home security systems.
The Wrap-Up on Energy-Efficient Homes
Not only do energy-efficient homes help save the environment, but they’re also essential for keeping household costs down. One of the best ways to cut down on your electricity usage is by installing solar panels, but there are many other things you can do.
Smart technology, energy-star-rated appliances, and considered construction all work together to ensure you enjoy the benefits of living in an energy-efficient home.
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