The 5 Easiest Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

• April 22nd

by UrbanTurf Staff

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With today being Earth Day, UrbanTurf decided to do an article that runs down five ways to make your home more energy efficient. Take a look at some easy and affordable changes below. 

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Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older appliances tend to be big energy consumers. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can drastically cut your household’s electricity use. Look for appliances that are ENERGY STAR certified, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Switching out your refrigerator, washer, dryer, and dishwasher for high-efficiency models can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. For example, an ENERGY STAR refrigerator uses about 15% less energy than a non-certified one, and a high-efficiency washer can save both water and electricity.

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Improve Insulation and Seal Air Leaks

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s energy use. Poor insulation and drafty windows or doors let conditioned air escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Upgrading insulation—particularly in the attic, walls, and floors—can significantly improve your home’s ability to retain heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer.

In addition, sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing with weather stripping or caulking is an affordable fix that offers immediate energy savings. You can even hire a professional to conduct a home energy audit to identify problem areas.

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Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting may not seem like a big energy draw, but traditional incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy as heat. Replacing them with LED bulbs is a quick, cost-effective step that saves energy and money.

LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than incandescents and last up to 25 times longer. They come in a variety of color temperatures and styles, so they’ll work for every room and aesthetic. Switching your whole home to LED lighting can lower your electricity use and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

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Install a Smart Thermostat

Heating and cooling your home efficiently depends on managing temperatures wisely. A smart thermostat can learn your habits, adjust the temperature based on when you’re home or away, and even be controlled remotely via smartphone apps.

Smart thermostats like the Nest or Ecobee can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10–15% annually. They also help reduce unnecessary energy use by avoiding over-conditioning your space. Some models integrate with weather forecasts and smart home systems, further optimizing your home's energy efficiency.

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Incorporate Renewable Energy Sources

If you’re ready for a bigger investment that pays off over time, consider installing solar panels or a solar water heating system. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and increasingly affordable thanks to government incentives and falling equipment prices.

While upfront costs can be significant, many homeowners see a return on investment within 5 to 10 years. In some regions, you can even sell excess power back to the grid. If solar panels aren’t feasible, look into community solar programs or green power options through your utility provider.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/the_5_easiest_ways_to_make_your_home_more_energy_efficient/23429.