Custom Home Building, Remodeling and Restoration: Paradise Valley Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

home energy efficiency checklist Green living isn’t just a buzzword or some trend engaged in by the younger set. It’s an important way of life that’s catching on because it’s not just good for the environment, it’s great for your pocketbook. We expend a lot of energy, and saving it can help our planet recover from a lot of damage over the centuries. It can also vastly lower your utility bills. Use the following important items in your home as part of a home energy efficiency checklist to keep the bills down and live an eco-friendly lifestyle!

Energy-Efficient Lighting

The first step on your home energy checklist is to use energy-efficient lighting. Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past. Nowadays you’ve got options for a range of energy-efficient bulbs. The best are LED bulbs, which may cost more upfront but can last for well over a decade. They generate very little heat and provide outstanding light that’s easy on the eyes.

Pay Attention to Electronics Use

Your electronics are probably sucking up a lot more energy than you realize. Between your tablet, your computer, your television and your smartphone, you’d be amazed at how much energy you use. This may be a good time to upgrade your electronics to new “fast charge” versions or even wireless charging features.

Another tip: don’t leave devices plugged in when they’re fully charged, and don’t leave plugs in outlets when they’re not hooked to devices. Did you know that leaving a plug in the outlet, even when it’s not connected to a device, uses electricity? Take those plugs out!

Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

Every appliance out there has an energy efficient option. Now is a great time to replace your current old appliances with ones that are Energy Star certified. These appliances will use a lot less electricity than their outdated counterparts, which will reduce your carbon footprint and save you a lot of cash every month on that electric bill.

Get the Right Windows and Doors

Old windows and doors that aren’t properly sealed against weather are one of the primary sources of energy loss. If you’ve got old windows and you can afford it, now might be a good time to upgrade to new, energy-efficient ones. If not, check to make sure your doors and windows are properly weather-sealed.

Modernize Your HVAC System

Just like your appliances, your HVAC system, if it’s not in great repair or up-to-date, can really drain energy and shoot your bills through the roof. Few people are in a position to just replace their furnace or AC system at the drop of a hat, but you should be having it serviced at least once a year and changing the filters out with every change of seasons. That simple habit can save a lot of cash.

Explore Alternative Energy

If you’re building a home with the help of a custom home remodeling contractor in Paradise Valley, or you have the funds to handle a major upgrade, you might consider using alternative, renewable energy to power your home. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable, for example. They also don’t require major alterations to your home. They can be used for electricity, heating, and cooling, and even heating the water in your home.

These are just a few great ways to save money and increase energy efficiency in the home. Taking this approach is the responsible thing to do—both environmentally and economically.

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