Whether a property is a custom home or a historical building, it is possible to make the house more energy-efficient. Although the specific solutions that may apply to any house can vary slightly, a few key steps apply to most homes.
Replace the Appliances
Unless the appliances a new, replace them with a new Energy Star alternative. The Energy Star rating provides information about how much the appliance will cost in basic energy costs if it is used normally.
Appliances that may be useful to replace if they are more than five to ten years old include:
- The fridge
- The washer and dryer
- The air conditioner
- A free-standing or electric heater
Focus on larger appliances that are used regularly, like the air conditioning unit or the fridge, rather than smaller items that are only used for a few minutes, like the coffee maker.
Improve Your Insulation
Insulation is a key part of keeping the house comfortable. Although custom homes may have enough wholesale insulation if they are new constructions, a historic building or an older home may benefit from additional installation in the walls, floors and roof.
The amount of insulation that a home needs can vary, just go to First Defense Insulation to understand. If a home was recently constructed, then it may not be necessary to put in more insulation to keep in the heat during winter or the cooler temperatures during the summer, learn about sustainability.
Program the Thermostat
If the house has a central heating and cooling system, then it is likely to have a programmable thermostat. Do not allow the settings that were placed by a previous homeowner or the construction company to remain.
Check the thermostat and program it to a comfortable, but cool setting. Keep the temperature comfortable, such as keeping it at 68 to 70 degrees. It is not necessary to keep the temperature very high during the winter or to keep it very low during the summer.
When leaving the house for an extended period of time, readjust the settings. Keep it down to 60 or 65 degrees during the winter. During the summer, allow the house to get a little hotter by turning off the air conditioner after leaving the house. Make sure as well not to forget about regular residential ac repair and maintenance. It may also be time for an ac replacement in Colorado Springs so look for an energy-efficient ac unit.
Put in an Attic Fan
An attic fan might not seem useful, but it can help cool down the entire house during the summer months, which cuts back on air conditioning costs. The investment and price for the fan may vary based on the location, the fan that is selected and the house.
Upgrade the Windows
Like insulation, windows are an important part of regulating the temperature in the house. If the house has older windows, then invest in upgraded alternatives. Just check here and learn how windows can be effective for you as a homeowner. Double-paned windows are particularly useful during the winter months because less heat will escape.
It is not hard to reduce energy costs in a home, regardless of when it was constructed. By taking a few steps to upgrade the property and a few measures to reduce energy expenditures, it is possible to see a dramatic shift in the cost of energy prices. Reducing energy use will help cut back on unnecessary costs and will have a lower impact on the environment.
+Ken Uhrich likes houses. In fact he lives in one and loves sharing info about custom home building as well as home improvement and trends on the Custom Home Group blog.
