The changing weather during fall can increase your energy bills. Yet there are things that you can do right now to improve the energy efficiency of your home throughout the season. Here are four ways in which you can make your dwelling more energy efficient during autumn.
Improve the Insulation
Insulation is a layer in the structure of your home or office that prevents the outdoor air from mixing with the indoor air and vice versa. Improperly assembled insulation, insufficient insulation, or insulation that has been damaged by issues such as pests or water damage can cause your HVAC system to work harder to cool or heat your building. This can make your home less energy efficient.
Fixing leaks and drafts around components of your building such as the doors and windows, which reduce the performance of your HVAC system, can make your home more energy efficient. For example, consider sealing your chimney flue when it is not in use or adding weatherstripping to the spaces between the bottom of your doors and the floor to improve your home’s insulation.
Grow Indoor Plants
Plants can increase the energy efficiency of your home due to their impact on air pollutants, carbon dioxide, oxygen and humidity. For example, NASA research shows that plants do purify the air in indoor environments, which can reduce the need to operate mechanical air controlling systems. As plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and add oxygen to the air, they act as natural ventilators that replace stale indoor air with fresh air. This can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation systems.
Additionally, certain plants are very effective at increasing the humidity in your home, which can reduce the need for mechanical humidifiers. So consider increasing your indoor plants to reduce your dependence on mechanical devices that regulate air quality, which could make your home more energy efficient.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Hiring a trustworthy professional to perform a regular HVAC service is a savvy method to keep your home energy efficient. Issues in your HVAC unit can lead to expensive repairs over time. You may need to make a repair or replace your filter to maintain or improve the efficiency of your system in the future. Consider using a company such as Old Coast Heating and Air Conditioning to maintain your home’s energy efficiency.
Get a Smarter Thermostat
A programmable thermostat that allows you to set a schedule for your heating or cooling requirements can save you money, time, and boost the energy efficiency of your home. There are thermostats that allow you to control your HVAC system wirelessly with your phone, set a different schedule each day, and make last minute changes to your home system’s schedule.
Now you know of several ways in which you can make your home more energy efficient this fall. Implementing some of these techniques may have some expenses, but this will be offset by your energy savings in the future.
Install Solar Panels
If you want to produce your own energy and save on costs monthly, it is a great idea to invest in solar panels. It will help you save money while you live in your home and can also increase the value of your property if you ever decide to sell! To learn more about solar panels, check out the info hub at Sunly.ca!
