Energy-efficient homes are all the rage right now as this is currently an age where being “green” is in. A multitude of people, including experienced Peterborough insulation specialists, strongly advocate for top-notch home efficiency—which is something that can be easily attained by anyone. As an article from Reader’s Digest Canada notes:
Using less energy around the home is easier to achieve than you might think, saving you money while creating a healthier, more comfortable living space for you and your family. Tapping into the sun’s warmth and light, making a few simple design changes, choosing and using appliances wisely, and changing a few old habits can all add up to make an impact – on your energy bill, comfort, and the environment.
For those looking to join in on the “Green Home” movement, here are a few tips.
Insulate sidewalls – Homeowners with dwellings that have been built before sidewall insulation has been introduced and perfected should endeavour to get this upgrade, if they’re looking to significantly slash their HVAC bills. This is because such homes are known to lose much heat through the sidewalls, as the latter is directly exposed to the outdoors. It just makes perfect sense to have them upgraded accordingly by local Toronto insulation companies such as Envirotech Insulation.
Improved insulation works on a simple premise: the home keeps the heat in when it’s cold outside, and vice versa. For instance, a home that loses a significant amount of heat during the winter could result in sky-high HVAC bills and adverse environmental effects due to wasted energy.
Invest on a thermostat upgrade – People looking to amplify their homes’ energy efficiency should forget everything about old-fashioned thermostats and opt for programmable models. Such thermostats are perfect for homeowners with pre-determined daily routines (wake up, get dressed, go to work, go home). Programmable thermostats allow for pre-determined heating/cooling, and can cut as much as $100 on bills annually.
Conserve water – Homeowners must never get tired of this, despite being too simple and easy to neglect. Simple deeds like turning the water off while brushing your teeth saves approximately 4.5 gallons of water. Imagine the amount of water that can be conserved if everyone in the world did the same thing.
Choose energy-efficient appliances – Experts recommend that homeowners invest on refrigerators, TVs, stoves, washing machines, and other appliances that have ENERGY STAR certifications, as such can save a significant amount each year in electricity bills.
(Source: How to Make your Home More Energy Efficient, Reader’s Digest Canada)