Efficiency: How To Make Your Home Work For Your Dollar
Making your home work for your hard earned dollars will result in
a better return if you can make your home more energy-efficient. There
are a number of ways to invest in your home to achieve this goal.
A home will be energy-efficient when steps are taken to reduce energy
usage
Usage Meters
This is a device that allows you to measure the electric usage of
various devices in your home. You can find this tool on Amazon and other
online sites. This device works like an adapter. One end will
plug into the outlet on the wall and the power cord for the appliance
will plug into the device. The display will show you the amount of electricity
that all your appliances use. You can keep a list of all electronic
devices that are in your home.
Light Bulbs
Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs is an easy
way to make your home work better for you when using electricity. You
can now use a CFL bulb in a lamp that has three stages or in a light
that used a dimmer switch. CFL bulbs are not as hot and do not
use as much energy as an incandescent bulb. The result is a decrease
of energy that is used in your home.
Thermostat
Many homes have thermostats that can be programmed to set temperatures
for various times of the day or night. However, a smart thermostat
can be installed to work with an app for your smartphone, tablet, or
other mobile device. The benefit of a smart thermostat is that it is
able to detect when you are anyone else in is a room. A smart thermostat
can turn off heating and cooling in your home when you are out of the
house.
Solar Power
The addition of solar panels to your home allow you to collect energy
from the sun. This is an expense that will give you solar power from infinite energy. You can even sell excess
power back to your utility company. Also, check to see if you qualify
for solar power rebates.
Windows
Money is well spent when replacing old windows in your home with ones
that are energy efficient. Old windows are a cause of energy loss because
they often leak air.
Insulation
The addition of insulation to an attic or crawl space will help
to limit heat loss. Insulation will help you keep lower floors of your
home warmer. This will translate into lower energy costs as your furnace
will not need to run as often to maintain a set temperature.
