As the weather starts to warm up and the snow starts to melt, it’s time to start thinking about spring home maintenance. One area that’s often overlooked is energy efficiency. With energy prices on the rise, finding affordable ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency can save you money in the long run. Here are some affordable energy-efficient upgrades you can make this spring:
- Upgrade your lighting One of the simplest ways to save energy is to switch to LED bulbs. They last longer and use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. You can also install dimmer switches to further reduce energy consumption.
- Seal air leaks Air leaks around doors and windows can let in cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer, making your heating and cooling systems work harder. Seal these leaks with weatherstripping or caulk to keep your home comfortable and save on energy costs.
- Install a programmable thermostat A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature in your home based on your schedule. You can lower the temperature while you’re at work or asleep and raise it when you’re home. This can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling bills.
- Upgrade your appliances If you have older appliances, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Insulate your attic Heat rises, so if your attic isn’t properly insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat through your roof. Adding insulation to your attic can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets Reducing the amount of water you use can also save on energy costs. Low-flow showerheads and faucets use less water, which means your water heater won’t have to work as hard to heat water.
- Plant shade trees If your home gets a lot of sun in the summer, planting shade trees can help keep your home cool and reduce the need for air conditioning. Just be sure to plant them in the right place so they don’t interfere with power lines or other structures.
By making these affordable energy-efficient upgrades this spring, you can save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, many of these upgrades can be done yourself with a little bit of DIY know-how. So, get started on your spring home maintenance and start saving energy today!
