A blog article I wrote as a guest blogger representing RenovationFind, published on the Liv Real Estate Blog.
7 things you should do when moving into a new home to improve energy efficiency
Congratulations on your new home! Now that you’re all moved in, there are some things you can do to improve your home’s efficiency, save energy and save money on your monthly bills.
1. Inspect your windows and doors for leaks.
Your windows are the main culprit for energy loss in your home. Check all the seals on your windows and doors and install new weather stripping and caulking if needed. If your window frames are noticeably damaged or warped or if they are older windows, you should consider installing new energy efficient windows. Edmonton’s best window companies provide high quality products that will improve your home’s efficiency.
2. Check for dripping faucets and running toilets.
Do a walk-through and check out all of your plumbing looking for leaks. Even though something like a leaky faucet might only seem like a few drops of water, it can accumulate to a lot of water waste and a big utility bill over a short period of time. In fact, if there is a drip every two seconds; it is calculated that there are 30 drips per minute and 43,200 drips per day. That’s about 2 gallons of water wasted each day! Learn how to fix a leaky faucet or contact the best plumbers in Edmonton to assist with needed repairs.
3. Swap out incandescent bulbs for LED light bulbs.
Though the initial cost of LED lightbulbs is more than regular bulbs, they will save you money in the long run. They run much longer, burn on way less energy and provide the same amount of light as incandescent light bulbs. Find LED lights and other energy saving products in Edmonton.
4. Inspect the attic insulation.
If you’ve purchased an older home, chances are you’ve inherited a few inches of newspaper-like or woodchip insulation in your attic. These materials have an R value of 4 to 8 and your R value should be at least R50. If you find Vermiculite or Zonolite insulation in your attic you will have to have it removed as it contains asbestos, which is hazardous to your health. If you’re not sure, have a professional insulation contractor inspect it for you.
If you have the harmless and virtually useless woodchip or newspaper-type insulation, Edmonton’s best insulation contractors can blow new, environmentally friendly, highly-efficient insulation right over top of it. Improving your R-value from 4 to 50 is well worth the investment.
5. Turn down your hot water heater.
Most homeowners leave their hot water heater blasting on high without even realizing it. That means it’s constantly running to keep stored water at temperatures higher than you need them to be. Turn it down to 55 degrees Celsius. You’ll barely notice that it’s been lowered and you’ll notice savings on your energy bill.
6. Purchase energy efficient appliances.
In most cases, homes are sold with appliances. If appliances were not included in the purchase of the home or the ones you got desperately need to be replaced, consider investing in high efficiency appliances. Appliance retail stores in Edmonton will carry the latest in energy efficient products and you’ll find that the cost has come down over the years. Plus, it will last for decades and your energy savings will really add up!
7. Program your thermostat.
Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to change the temperature in your home automatically. You can set the temperature lower when you leave the house for work or at night when you are sleeping, then have the thermostat turn up the heat for times when you are actively using your home. Set it, forget it and start saving energy.
Getting started on your energy efficiency projects
Some of these suggestions require minimal work or cost and can really extend your energy savings. If you’re not sure where to start, browse the free online directory on RenovationFind.com. The home renovation companies on this website have been put through a stringent screening process and have received accreditation. This ensures the company you hire for your home improvement projects are trustworthy, credible and will provide quality workmanship, products and service. Visit www.renovationfind.com.