How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient in Vermont

Making your home more energy efficient can save money and help protect the environment. Vermont is leading the way in promoting renewable energy sources and green initiatives. There are a number of measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient.

Home insulation is one of the most important steps you can take. Home insulation helps to keep the heat from escaping in the winter, and maintain a cool, comfortable environment in the summer. Adding insulation to your walls and windows can lower the amount of energy used up to 25%.

Aggressively weatherize your home to save energy and money. This process involves using protective, tightly sealed film on windows and doorways, as well as tightening cracks around windows and doors. The process also includes sealing and re-insulating any relevant areas.

Replace Your Major Home Appilances

If your home appliances are older, they are likely far from being energy efficient. It is advisable to replace any major appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, or tumble dryers that are more than 10 years old. The savings in energy will be worth the cost, over time.

Make sure your home is properly ventilated, and look into installing a vent for your attic, as it can reduce your heating costs and increase ventilation throughout the whole house. A balanced ventilation system will ensure the air coming into your home is clean and that any stale air is exhausted efficiently.

Upgrade Lighting and Lighting Fixtures

Upgrading your lighting and light bulbs to more energy efficient options is a great way to reduce consumption and save money. LED lighting uses a fraction of the energy of traditional forms of lighting. Installing energy efficient lighting fixtures will also help to illuminate your home more efficiently.

Installing motion sensor lighting is a great way to further cut energy costs. This type of lighting will switch on when a person enters a room, and switches off automatically when the room is vacated.

Smart thermostats are also an increasingly popular way to save energy. They allow you to program the temperature throughout the day, ensuring your home is always comfortable without wasting energy.

Replace Windows and Doors

Replace single-paned windows with double-paned windows in order to reduce your home’s energy use by up to 30%. Doors should also be replaced with insulated doors. Weather stripping and caulking around all windows and doors is also recommended to keep energy loss to a minimum.

Here are a few other ways to make your home more energy efficient:

• Check the seals and insulation surrounding your water heater.
• Reduce the temperature of your water heater.
• Clean the condenser at least twice a year.
• Check the furnace filter and replace it regularly.
• Check your air vents for proper air flow on a regular basis.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat.

Conclusion

Making your home more energy efficient can seem daunting, but with the help of these tips, you will be able to create a more sustainable home that saves you money in the long run. With the right adjustments and changes, you can help reduce the energy demands of your home and make your home more energy efficient.