Being energy efficient in the Pacific Northwest is key to reducing our environmental footprint. Small changes, such as weatherization or insulation, can result in big savings on our energy bills. Here, we’ll explore some of the best ways to make your home energy efficient, from simple DIY approaches to more sizable investments.
We’ll start with the basics. Weatherizing your home is one of the most important steps you can take to make your home energy efficient. Sealing any cracks around windows and doors can reduce drafts and eliminate wasted energy. Additional insulation can also be installed in the walls and attic to help retain heat, resulting in reduced energy costs.
Installing energy efficient windows and replacing outdated HVAC equipment can be beneficial, too. Updating these features can be expensive, however, so you’ll want to weigh the costs and potential energy savings before investing in new products.
DIY Energy Efficient Ideas
Do-it-yourself projects are often the most cost-effective energy efficiency solutions. Energy efficient lighting upgrades, such as LED bulbs, are easy to install and can make a big difference in your energy consumption. Additionally, replacing any inefficient appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models is a great way to decrease your energy costs while saving money on utility bills.
Programmable thermostats are another electronic upgrade that can help you increase energy efficiency. These devices allow you to set temperature parameters to regulate how often your HVAC system runs, helping you reduce energy usage when it’s not needed.
Ventilation System
Upgrading a home’s ventilation system can also help increase energy efficiency. An efficient ventilation, or heat recovery, system helps balance humidity levels within a home and ensures that fresh air enters the home without wasting energy. Many homeowners choose to install fans to improve air circulation; however, a heat recovery system is far more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
A good ventilation system can also help reduce energy costs in the winter. By taking advantage of the cooler night air, a ventilation system can help exchange hot interior air with cooler air from outside. This helps reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a home and can save money in the long run.
Finally, this type of system also helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout a home, reducing the amount of energy needed to run a heating or cooling system.
Hiring a Professional
- In some cases, hiring a professional can be beneficial when making energy efficiency upgrades.
- A contractor or electrician can help identify areas which need attention or repair.
- A qualified professional can also help you find qualified energy efficient appliances and systems.
- Hiring a professional also reduces the risk of any energy efficiency upgrades falling short of meeting energy standards.
Making an Investment
Making your home more energy efficient requires some investment, but the long term savings can be significant. Simple DIY projects can help you save money quickly, and larger investments, such as upgrading windows and appliances, can help you save even more in the future. With careful planning and a little bit of effort, you can turn your home into a model of energy efficiency in the Pacific Northwest.