From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplan: Four Steps to an Energy Efficient Home

Saving energy around the house is an increasingly common goal. Through energy conservation efforts, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is greener. You can also save some green through lower utility bills on a regular basis. It may seem challenging to improve energy efficiency in your home at first glance. However, focusing your attention on a few thoughtful steps can yield incredible results.

Focus on Your Insulation

Your HVAC system is one of the primary sources of energy consumption. When your home is not properly insulated and sealed, climate-controlled air escapes the home. Outdoor air can also enter the home. This causes the HVAC system to work harder than it should. Updating the insulation in your attic and walls as needed is an excellent idea for many homeowners. Resealing the windows or even replacing older windows can also provide spectacular results.

Update Appliances and Equipment

The HVAC system is only one of several appliances and equipment that drain energy regularly. For example, the fridge runs regularly throughout the day and night. A tank water heater may also do the same thing regardless of whether you actually need hot water at the time. Clothes dryers, dishwashers, and other equipment are also energy-guzzlers. Older equipment typically is less energy-efficient, so making an upgrade to Energy Star models could be beneficial.

Improve Your Landscaping

You may not realize it, but your landscaping can play a role in energy efficiency as well. For example, thick, tall bushes around the house can reduce solar heating on your windows and can block chilly winds in the winter. Large trees can also block an incredible amount of sun and wind. Carefully examine your landscaping to determine how vegetation may be used to naturally help you to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Invest in Solar Panels

All of these steps will help you to reduce energy consumption, but you still need to draw energy into your home for cooking, lighting, temperature control and more. Rather than rely on the public energy supply that often uses non-renewable energy sources, create your own energy at home. Installing solar panels may offset or completely eliminate the need to use the public energy supply. You may also want to consider replacement windows.

Many of the more substantial ways to reduce energy consumption at home do require significant effort and a financial investment. However, in exchange for these, you can enjoy the incredible benefit of reducing energy consumption dramatically and saving money on utility bills regularly going forward.