Energy efficiency starts at home. Living in a greener space is a kinder choice for both the environment and your wallet. Below are practical ways to save energy in and around your house.
1. Invest in Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging can help identify problems in insulation by detecting trouble spots that are invisible to the naked eye. It uses an infrared camera to discover air leaks and heat losses in your walls. Typical energy loss points are caused by missing insulation, radiant heating malfunctions, moisture penetration, and roofing problems. Knowing these structural problems can point out which areas need troubleshooting to prevent further damage.
2. Insulate your attic
Attic insulation keeps your house warm during winter by trapping the heat indoors. It also keeps your house cool during the summer by reducing the transfer of heat from the roof into the attic all the way down the entire house. The most common forms of insulation are foam, fiberglass, or cellulose. A well-insulated attic regulates your home’s temperature and comfort level all year round.
The more air escapes through your attic, the more your HVAC system has to work to heat and cool your home. Insulation reduces the strain on your HVAC system and saves you from expensive utility bills.
3. Double glaze your windows
Old, drafty windows bring more draughts and cold spots. Luckily, there are several energy-efficient methods such as double glazing that can help reduce heat loss through your windows.
Double glazed windows keep the maximum amount of heat in your home and provide great thermal insulation. These windows have two specially coated sheets of glass with a gap in between to create an insulating barrier that traps air. As more air is trapped, the warmer your house becomes.
4. Spruce up your yard
Smart landscaping not only beautifies your yard, but also reduces energy costs throughout the year. Planting deciduous trees such as oak, maple, and hickory on the south, east, and west areas of your home blocks excessive summer heat from entering your home. Once these trees shed their leaves in the winter, their bare branches are perfect for inviting sunshine in.
You can always opt for vines if you don’t have enough yard space to grow trees. Perennial vines such as climbing roses and hydrangeas can shade walls and windows. The beautiful flowers that come with these vine plants are also an added bonus.
5. Install Daylighting
Daylighting is the practice of bringing natural light into your home. Aside from being a decorative addition to your space, it is also a greener alternative to electrical lighting. Instead of artificial lights, skylights are installed on the roof to reflect sunshine and provide ventilation. You can easily raise or lower the glass on the skylight using a switch to invite streams of airflow into your home and reduce air conditioning costs.
Adopting energy-saving systems can also protect you from excessive radiation, pollutants, and allergens. A structurally safe and energy-efficient home not only saves you from hefty operation costs, but also safeguards your health and comfort.
