Most homeowners are capable of taking on
simple home improvements themselves. But when it comes to the prospect of
making your home more energy efficient, you may mistakenly believe that such
projects should be left to the pros. And while you probably don't want to
tangle with installing a modern, energy-efficient AC unit on your own, there
are certainly tasks you can tackle that don't require you to have the knowledge
and skill of a licensed technician. The best part is that you can not only save
money by adopting a DIY attitude; you can also save over time as your upgrades
make your home more energy efficient, cutting your carbon footprint and your
monthly utility bills in the process. Here are just a few fantastic home improvement projects that will increase energy efficiency and save your household money.
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1. Install
energy film. One of the least expensive ways to improve the energy efficiency
in your home is to use a product that stops the sun's heat-producing rays from
turning your house into an oven. Energy film is a clingy, transparent sheet
that you can cut to size and then stick and re-stick to windows throughout your
home. This product could block as much as 90% of the sun's heat-producing rays,
lowering your reliance on electrical cooling for your interior and cutting your
energy usage in the process. Best of all, you can remove it during the winter
months when the sun coming in can help to heat your home naturally.
2. Seal
leaks. If you're really gung-ho, you can attempt to perform a home energy audit
on your own as a way to find sources of energy waste. But even online tutorials
won't provide you with the equipment and experience a pro brings to the table.
That said, hiring a professional home energy auditor will ensure that you end
up with a comprehensive listing of the energy issues in your home, giving you
the information you need to start adding weather stripping and sealing leaks
throughout your structure to improve energy efficiency. Just don't forget that
sealing your home may lead to the need for increased ventilation, so you should
talk to your HVAC technician about testing your interior air quality the next
time you have a service call.
3. Install
a programmable thermostat. You can save some money by upgrading from your
standard dial or digital thermostat to a programmable version, provided you
follow instructions. Just remember to turn off the electricity before you begin
so that you don't zap yourself. Once you've installed your new unit you can
program it with Department of Energy guidelines in mind: no higher than 68?F in
winter, no lower than 78?F in summer, and dial it back 10-15 degrees during the
hours you're at work and while you're sleeping for optimum savings.
4. Optimize
lighting. Using natural light as much as possible is a great way to save on
your energy bill, so think about installing mirrors throughout your home to
bounce and optimize the light coming in. From there it's a good idea to upgrade
your electric illumination. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) last up to 10
times as long as regular incandescent bulbs and they use about a third of the
energy for the same relative wattage. And they fit in standard fixtures. LEDs
are even more efficient, but you may have to install new lighting fixtures to
use them.
5. Add
insulation. You don't have to understand ductwork design principles or the ins and outs of your HVAC
system in order to reduce your need for heating and AC; all you have to do is
beef up inadequate insulation. And if you have exposed batting or fill in
problem areas like the attic or basement, this is easily accomplished.
Added Note:
Are you in a budget but still dreaming to create a
luxury look of your home? You should check out these 61 cheap home DIY hacks and get inspired!
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