3 Simple and Affordable Ways to Improve Your Home’s Energy-Efficiency in 2022

If you’ve taken a look at the news lately, you probably already know that life has become a bit more expensive in the last couple of years. In fact, since 2020, so much has changed that it might even be hard to keep up. But the good news is that there are still ways to save despite economic downturns.

Any new homeowner has probably looked around at their home and thought about doing a bit of remodeling. And remodeling can not only give your home a touch of class and personal style, but it can also significantly increase the overall value of your home. But the best way to remodel is to look for solutions that can reduce your overall energy cost. The good news is, that there are plenty of options to choose from. 

One of the popular ways to improve home energy efficiency is by adopting renewable energy. A Tucson solar panel installation professional or one in your area can help you harness the sun’s power to convert usable energy for your home. Other renewable energy sources include hydropower and wind. Smaller wind turbines are designed for residential use. Grid-connected systems are more common. Aside from renewable energy, there are simple ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency.

With the following simple upgrades, you can get a return on your investment by reducing your energy costs, and enjoy many other benefits as well. 

Benefits of Propane

When most people think of home energy they often think of good old-fashioned electricity. But believe it or not, electric energy is far less efficient than propane. And there are many reasons why you should buy a propane tank, or invest in propane in place of natural gas or electric.

For example, propane systems reduce your overall energy costs each year when compared to electric energy. And the following will detail a variety of purposes that propane can serve for you as well:

  • Furnaces 
  • Hot water heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Cook ranges
  • Pool heaters
  • Household appliances

In addition to the mentioned benefits, propane is clean burning, not-toxic, and it’s long been considered as a source of “green” energy. Keeping this in mind (along with the low annual cost), propane is one of the best fuel and energy sources on the market today.

Proper Home Insulation 

Have you ever wondered how your home is able to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Aside from using a heater or an air-conditioner, it’s your home insulation that traps the heat and the cool air within the home. But if you don’t have properly installed insulation, you could be losing hundreds of dollars annually.

Upgrading your home insulation is another great way to reduce your annual energy costs. As such, you should choose the right type of insulation for your home. And this depends on a few different factors. 

First, you need to first determine where you want to add or upgrade your insulation. Next, you need to determine the recommended R-value, or maximum thermal performance of your insulation. And the best way to determine these is to contact a professional insulation installer. 

Over time insulation can lose its ability to trap hot and cold air. And if your insulation hasn’t been installed evenly, or doesn’t cover all openings, you may find a home with cold spots in the winter and warm areas in the summer. As a solution for saving on energy costs, have your insulation inspected and upgrade to the best material possible.

Here are your home insulation options: 

Spray Foam Insulation 

This insulation offers excellent thermal performance and air sealing. It expands to fill gaps and creates a tight barrier, reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts. However, it can be more expensive than other insulation options. 

Blown-In Insulation 

This is often used for attics and wall cavities. Cellulose or fiberglass insulation fills gaps and provides consistent coverage. It’s effective at reducing air movement and improving energy efficiency. 

Windows and Doors 

Energy-efficient windows and doors significantly improve insulation. Look for products with low U-values and high R-values to ensure better thermal performance. 

Radiant Barrier 

You can install this insulation in the attic to reflect heat away from your living spaces. This can be particularly effective in hot climates where reducing radiant heat transfer is crucial. 

Passive Solar Design 

Consider incorporating passive solar design principles if you want a more extensive upgrade. This involves optimizing your home’s orientation, window placement, and thermal mass to capture and retain heat from the sun naturally.

Windows

Not many people are aware, but our windows are often the main culprit when it comes to losing heat or cooling during the winter and summer months respectively. But this is perhaps one of the easiest fixes of them all.

First, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect your windows and check for any cracks or sealing issues that you can find. Often, simply by sealing the cracks or adding new sealant you can increase the efficiency of your windows. However, some older homes may need a window upgrade for the best results.

In addition to your windows being properly sealed, you’ll also want to have the right window treatments in order to maintain energy-efficiency throughout the home.

Treatments such as tinting can actually help keep your home cooler in the summertime. And this is a great method, especially if you have a home with an abundance of windows that allow the sun inside during midday. 

Additionally, blinds, shears, and shades also can help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Because, believe it or not, but your blinds can also help to trap the heat that may escape from your windows.

Life is expensive. And if you’re interested in saving a little money to help alleviate any of the stress that monthly bills bring along, ensuring that you’re not spending too much money on energy costs by making your home more energy-efficient is a great solution.

About the author

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Brad Smith

Brad Smith is an experienced interior designer and the founder of OmniHomeIdeas.com. With a Master's degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a passion for creating safe and healthy living spaces, Brad shares his expert insights and innovative design ideas with our readers. His work is driven by the belief that home is where every story begins.

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