Making your new S&A home more energy efficient is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, save money and ensure a comfortable living environment. Here are some tips on how you can make your home more energy efficient.
Use Natural Light
One of the most cost-effective ways to save electricity and reduce energy consumption in your home is to take advantage of natural light whenever possible. Open up blinds and curtains throughout the day and let the sun’s rays fill up your space so that you don’t have to turn on an extra lamp or two when trying to read.
Change Lightbulbs
Choosing energy-efficient lighting like LED or CFL bulbs over traditional incandescent ones can save hundreds of dollars annually on your electricity bill while remaining eco-friendly at the same time. LED and CFL bulbs last up to 25 times longer, use 75% less electricity than their counterparts, provide better quality lighting overall, and come in a variety of customizable colors depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Insulate Windows & Doors
Inadequate insulation around windows and doors can be a major source of air leaks in any home – letting warm air escape during winter months or cold air escape during summer months. Even with double-paned windows present, insulation around frames should still be sealed tightly for additional protection. Install weatherstripping around cracks within frames for maximum efficiency.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Upgrading older models of appliances with newer, ENERGY STAR-certified ones can drastically reduce energy usage throughout the home while still providing optimal results – especially when it comes to laundry machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Not only do these appliances require less power than other models (which means lower bills), but they are also often quieter as well due to their increased efficiency ratings points overall.
Utilize Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow you to regulate temperatures throughout the entire house without having to manually adjust settings each time you want to change them. This means that no matter which room you’re in, temperatures will always be ideal allowing you to have greater control over heating and cooling costs year-round. Additionally, many smart thermostats come with learning functionalities that allow the device itself to take note of temperature preferences over time.
Unplug chargers and turn off electronics
To reduce wasted energy, it’s important to unplug chargers and other electronics when they’re not being used. These secret energy vampires quietly drain energy when left plugged in when not in use. Energy.gov notes the average charger consumes 0.26 watts of energy when idle and 2.24 watts when connected to your device.
Maintain your HVAC systems
Tuning your HVAC system is a great way to keep your home energy efficient. By adjusting air filters, checking for air leaks, and inspecting the ducts regularly, you can make sure that your HVAC system is working properly and not wasting energy. With proper maintenance of your HVAC system, you can save money on energy bills while also keeping your home comfortable.
Energy-Efficient New Construction Homes by S&A Homes
S&A’s eHomes are designed to be eco-friendly, energy efficient, and healthier without sacrificing a home’s value. We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve by including cutting edge energy efficient technology in every home we build. We focus on the whole house – not just components.
You can rest assured knowing your S&A home has been built to the highest construction standards with quality energy efficient materials. To learn more about S&A Homes and our energy-efficient new homes, visit Life in a S&A Home.