Making your home more energy efficient is an important step to reducing your carbon footprint and helping the environment. Living in a Northeast home provides unique challenges when it comes to being energy efficient. Here are a few tips to help you make your Northeast home more energy efficient.
From extreme temperatures and harsh winters, to the large number of older housing units, energy efficiency can be a daunting task in Northeast homes. But with creative solutions, energy efficiency is possible with minimal disruption to your routine and budget.
Being mindful of the energy efficient solutions already available in your home is a great first step. By using these solutions more often, you can save energy and money without putting in any extra effort.
Improve Insulation
A common and effective way to improve energy efficiency is by focusing on insulation. Many older Northeast homes are not well-insulated, leading to increased energy consumption to keep the house warm. Insulation acts as a barrier that keeps the warm air inside the home, making it more energy efficient.
Replacing old insulation with newer, more energy efficient insulation is an affordable way to make your home more energy efficient. There are a variety of insulation materials that can be used, depending on the area of the home you would like to insulate. In addition to saving energy, good insulation can also make your home more comfortable by reducing drafts.
Reducing Household Temperature
During hot summer months, it is important to have an adequate cooling system in place to keep your home comfortable. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees cooler can make a big difference in your energy consumption. Air conditioning units should be set to no lower than 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the humidity levels.
Ceiling and floor fans are great for circulating air and cooling your home more quickly than air conditioning units. Paired with cooling curtains, fans can help to keep your home cooler and help you save energy cost.
In addition to traditional air conditioning systems, there are also energy efficient cooling systems such as evaporative coolers and heat pumps. By using one of these systems, you can save energy cost and make your home more comfortable during hot summer months.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
- Replace old, energy-inefficient appliances with new ones.
- Look for the energy star label when purchasing new appliances.
- Inspect appliances for air leaks.
- Clean refrigerator coils and air filter to increase efficiency.
Investing in energy efficient appliances is an important step towards making your Northeast home more energy efficient. Replacing old, inefficient appliances with modern, energy efficient ones can help reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.
Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances. This label indicates that the appliance is more energy efficient than other models. In addition, it is important to inspect appliances for air leaks, and regularly clean refrigerator coils and air filters to improve energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Making your Northeast home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these simple tips, you can make your home more comfortable, more efficient, and you can save energy and money. Taking Care of your home’s energy efficiency is a great way to help reduce your CO2 emissions and make your home more comfortable.