Being energy efficient is a growing concern in the modern era, and the efficiency of your home can be important for a variety of reasons. In addition to saving you money, improving the efficiency of your home can also make it more comfortable and decrease your carbon footprint. All of that works to make your life easier and more productive with almost no effort on your part.

Windows

Many of the windows in homes today are not very efficient, and if your home is old, this is especially true. Updating your windows can save you money on your utility bills and help you to keep your houses cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Double paned windows create an extra layer of glass and air that helps to insulate your home and increase the efficiency of your house. By replacing your windows, you can see a marked improvement in your home’s efficiency. When replacing windows, be sure to go for a vinyl frame as this material isn’t conductive and can help you to minimize heat loss through your windows.

Doors

Doors are another place in your home that can be inefficient and lead to higher costs when heating or cooling your home. Older doors generally weren’t made with efficiency in mind, so if you do have an outdated door it can be costing you money. In addition to replacing the door, you want to make sure that you have a snug fit with your door and that you use weather stripping to block any gaps or holes. This will help you to increase the efficiency of your doorway and can help when your door itself is efficient, but the fit isn’t as good as it could be. A new door will be able to make a tighter seal and increase efficiency

Siding

Many types of siding are not very energy efficient, and if siding is cracked or broken it can also hurt your efficiency. If you are looking to upgrade or replace your siding, it is worthwhile to invest in siding that is energy efficient and can help to insulate your home. Insulated siding is ideal for energy efficiency because it will add to the insulation of your home. Ensuring that you get insulated siding is your best bet to improve efficiency while updating the look of your home’s exterior.

HVAC

A lot of efficiency can be lost if you have an inefficient HVAC system. Taking care of your HVAC will help you to improve efficiency and not waste money trying to heat or cool ineffectively. An inspection can reveal why your HVAC is inefficient.

Another great thing you can do to pay attention to your HVAC and track your efficiency and use is to get a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can get a good idea of how and when you are using your HVAC system. It will also help you to work on your energy habits and improve them so that you can get the most out of your heating and cooling without needing to spend too much on your energy bill.

Your Water Heater

Older water heater models can be inefficient, and the costs can really add up as you use your old heater continually. There are many more efficient models on the market now that can save you money and get you hot water more quickly. A tankless water heater is a really great option that can heat water quickly and efficiently. There is significantly less heat loss in a tankless water heater, which is the main reason for the increased efficiency. They do tend to cost more up front, but they often have a longer warranty than tanked varieties.

Insulation

The insulation of your home is the most important thing to your home’s efficiency. If you have bad insulation or uninsulated areas, it can really bring down your efficiency and cause you to lose heat. The most common culprit is uninsulated attics that allow warm air to leave your home in the winter and cost you money as you have to continually try to heat that uninsulated space. Adding insulation to your attic will help make your whole house more comfortable. If you are finishing your attic, you will want to insulate so the attic is comfortable, if you aren’t finishing the attic, you just need to insulate the attic floor.

Shower Heads and Toilets

You can lose a lot of water through an inefficient shower head or toilet. Upgrading these items can improve the efficiency of your home and making using your bathroom a more pleasant experience. Go for a shower head that has high efficiency while also providing useful features, like a removable head or a rain style stream. These upgrades can help your home to be more efficient while also creating luxury and fun in your space. Why not get more for your money with an upgrade in quality and efficiency.

Your Lighting

Upgrading lighting can be a great part of increasing efficiency and avoiding losing energy for no reason. Even just replacing light bulbs with more efficient options can make your home more comfortable and efficient. If you really want to take it up a notch, you can also invest in smart lighting solutions. These options will allow you to control your lighting through your phone, so you can turn off lights from the comfort of your bed. Finding products that are convenient and efficient is a great way to make your home more comfortable and decrease your costs over time.

Tracking your home’s efficiency can help you to stay on top of utility payments and avoid paying for energy that is simply wasted. Once you know where your inefficiencies are, you can make strategic replacements and upgrades to make your home more efficient than it has ever been before. Efficient models are always being made and improved, so keep a look out for new advances in efficiency so you can keep your home as efficient as possible.