It’s 2017, and upgrading your home to improve energy efficiency has never been easy. It could not come at a better time—Americans are consuming more energy than ever. Fortunately, energy efficient upgrades are becoming more affordable, which in turn allows the average American to invest in even the smallest of changes. With modern technology, it is all about using energy smarter so that we can conserve our resources for everyone, and create a greener future. You can even find companies that will help finance your green goals. Renovate America has home financing solutions that are designed to fit your budget and energy efficient needs. If you think you have the means to go green, here are a few energy efficient home upgrades you should consider in 2017.
Invest in Energy Efficient Insulation
Have you ever noticed how cold your home seems to get, even when you crank up the heater to tropical temperatures in the dead of winter? Perhaps your insulation is the issue. Insulation is a material made up of cellulose from paper, fiberglass, and mineral wool. All of the materials are recycled from waste, and usually contains between twenty to thirty percent recycled glass. The insulation is installed between walls, between the ceiling and roof, in the attic, and much more. As you can imagine, insulation is usually installed where it will not be seen, or if it is, the insulation will be in a place that is often not visited, such as the attic. The purpose of the insulation is to do just what its name suggests: insulate. The insulation traps heat generated within the home, and prevents it from escaping to the outside. Insulation can reduce your energy bill by a large amount, because you will not have to keep your heat as high as you normally would.
Fill in Cracks
In addition, you will want to plug up any holes or cracks that lets warm air escape and cold air come in. If your front door is thin and lets the cold air in on a windy or stormy day, consider getting a thicker door that fits the doorway better to prevent cool air from flooding in. You may also want to check the various crevices in your house to find any cracks that are responsible for heat escaping. After all, it is easier to let cool air in when you want it, then to retain warm air when you need it.
Invest in Solar Panels
If you live in a beautiful area flooded with sunshine, such as Southern California, Florida, or Denver Colorado, you may want to try investing in solar panels. Once touted as an expensive luxury, solar panels are now becoming more affordable than ever. Not only are prices starting to decline to become more affordable to the average working class American, but it also pays itself off in full over the years. In some areas, you can save $20,000 over twenty years if you save energy with solar panels. Many homeowners experience a fifty percent decrease in their electric bill right away.
Update Your Landscaping
The hot new trend in environmental and energy conversation comes in the form of your very own yard. Many areas in the U.S. are now experiencing long-term droughts. The truth is, if you live in a desert habitat, your environment is not designed to support a lush green lawn. That means that the millions who also live in the same county as you are all using precious resources on their lawn that we could use elsewhere. Enter xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is the latest effort in conserving precious resources, and its method is simple. People whom xeriscape their yards will use only drought resistant plants to shape their yard. The results can be breathtaking—do a quick Google search of xeriscaped yards and you will be surprised at how lush and colorful your yard can actually be. Consider hiring a landscaper that can help you take your yard from drab to fab with native plants and xeriscaping techniques.
Transforming your home into an energy efficient paradise doesn’t need to feel impossible. Consider incorporating these improvements into your home and reduce your carbon footprint in 2017.
