By Chad Charles
As a fourth generation home builder, I know how important it is to create a home that is not only beautiful, but also energy efficient. Residents of the Upstate are well aware of the unique challenges this region faces; Monday could be a high of 42 degrees while Friday ends up being in the 80s. Before you know it, your air conditioner or heater is on full blast and your energy bill has skyrocketed.
Fortunately, there are simple, cost-effective improvements you can make to your home to minimize the rise in your utility bills. Here are nine interesting fixes that can make a big difference:
Weather Stripping (Doors, Windows, Outlets and Switches): Weather stripping is sealing the gaps around doors, windows, outlets, and switches, also known as the most common places for air to escape or enter your home. Installing or upgrading weatherstripping can make a noticeable difference in energy efficiency by helping your home maintain a consistent temperature.
Replacing Windows: Windows are one of the biggest culprits in heat loss or gain. Replacement windows can make a significant difference in energy savings, especially if your current windows are old or damaged. Replacing them can improve insulation and reduce air leaks.
Upgrade Lighting to LED: LEDs are incredibly energy-efficient compared to traditional bulbs; they use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and about 50% less energy than fluorescent bulbs. With upgraded LED lighting, you can light up your home while using far less electricity, which directly translates into lower energy bills.
Insulate Your Attic: While this may require a bit more work, upgrading the insulation in your attic, basement and walls can pay off long-term. Proper insulation helps your home stay warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the load on your HVAC system.
Check Your Water Heater: Upgrading or insulating your water heater can lead to significant savings, as older water heaters are often less efficient and require more energy to operate. New water heaters are built with improved energy efficiency standards compared to older models.
Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly: Did you know dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder, leading to increased energy consumption? Aim to change your air filters every one to three months. It’s a quick and inexpensive fix that helps your system run more efficiently.
Update to a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures based on your schedule, so your system isn’t running when you don’t need it. You can set it to cool the house during the hottest part of the day and then raise the temperature in the evening when it’s cooler outside.
Proper attic ventilation: This is essential for maintaining a healthy, energy-efficient home. It helps regulate temperature, reduces moisture buildup, and extends the lifespan of your roof and insulation.
Replace worn out shingles: Old and damaged shingles can allow heat to transfer more easily into your home, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Newer shingles, particularly reflective or cool roofing shingles, help improve energy efficiency by boosting your home’s overall insulation.
It’s the small changes that add up to big savings over time, and in today’s world, we can all use a little more savings in our pockets.
Chad Charles is the president of Charles & Associates.A fourth-generation builder, Charles honed his skills alongside his grandfather and father, gaining experience in both residential construction and custom cabinetry. He founded his own remodeling company in 1998.
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