From Guest Blogger Megan Belnap: Green Home–Five Ways to Make Your House Economical and Energy-Saving

Some home improvement and upgrading projects are largely designed to bolster aesthetic appeal, but others can have far-reaching effects in different ways. For example, some improvements and upgrades could help you to make your home greener and more energy efficient.

If you are looking for improvements that could potentially help you to save money in the months and years to come, turn your attention to some of these ideas.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

Older HVAC systems are generally less energy efficient than modern styles. If your system is older and if you are tired of seeing high energy bills during peak summer or winter months, upgrading the system is a great idea. Look for an air conditioning unit and heater from someplace like Comfort Zone Airconditioning & Solar Power that has exceptional energy conservation features. It is also wise to get your ducts sealed or insulated during the HVAC replacement project.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Even when you have the most energy efficient HVAC system installed in your home, you may still use more energy than you need to because of your thermostat. A programmable thermostat is an easy way to manage the temperature in your home. You can program different settings throughout the day so that you reduce energy consumption during times when you are normally not at home.

Add Insulation to the Walls

If climate-controlled air escapes the home through poorly insulated walls, your HVAC system will need to use more energy to keep the home warm or cool as desired. If your insulation is several years old and particularly if your home has fiberglass insulation, an upgrade may benefit your home. Spray-in foam insulation has exceptional insulating benefits and is a cost-effective upgrade to consider.

Re-Seal Doors and Windows

Leaky seals around your doors and windows are another common cause of escaped climate-controlled air. You can easily re-seal your leaky doors and windows with a tube of caulk and a few hours of your time. This is an affordable and fast project that almost all homeowners can complete on their own.

Invest in Smart Home Technology

If you are not yet using smart home technology extensively throughout your property, it may now be time to invest in this innovative equipment. You can connect everything from your lights and appliances to your garage door, HVAC system and more to the smart home controls. These controls are accessible through your smart phone, which gives you the remote ability to monitor and adjust features that use energy throughout the day.

With many cost-saving ways to improve your home, it makes sense to start making a few upgrades today. Over time and as funds allow, you can potentially complete all of these projects to enjoy substantial savings on your home’s energy bills.