Energy Saving Home Tips

Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Wisconsin has an unpredictable climate. Because of this, heating and cooling costs make up more than half of a home’s energy consumption in a year. Adopting some eco-friendly items and energy saving techniques can help you save green and improve the quality of air in your home. Here are some tips to make your home energy efficient:

Cover bare floors with rugs or carpet, especially if your house is lacking little to no floor insulation

Heating Suggestions to Save You Money and the Environment

• Slowly raise the temperature in your house. This will help you save money – raising the temperature quickly in a house uses more energy.
• Lower your thermostat every time you leave the house.
• Invest in a smart thermostat.
• Let the sun help you heat your home; opening your blinds or shades during the daytime will create solar heat in your home.
• Never block air vents with furniture or curtains.
• Don’t rely on space heaters.
• Change the filters in your heating system every month.

Energy Conscious Cooling Tips for Your Home

• Install and use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans use about the same amount of energy as a normal light bulb.
• Keep the sun from overheating your house by planting trees for shade. Also, use blinds or curtains to keep your home protected from the sun’s heat.
• Installing R-30 rated insulation in your attic can help reduce your energy consumption.
• Change your AC filters regularly – about once a month.
• Be sure to close exterior windows and doors when your air conditioning unit is on. Take it a step further by turning off exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom.

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Lighting

• Replace standard incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs.
• Exterior motion-detecting lights are convenient and save energy by turning on only when needed.
• Replace your most-used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR products.

Water Heating Tips for Energy-Efficiency

• Wash clothes in cold water; laundry detergent works just as well in cold water as it does warm.
• If you plan to leave your home for a few days, consider turning off your hot water heater.
• Shortening your showers by a few minutes can help you save on energy costs.
• Solar water heaters are a great solution for long-term energy savings.
• Turning your hot water heater down to 120°F helps cut down on energy usage while still being hot enough for showers and dishes.
• Installing a timer on your hot water heater can automatically shut it off when you are not home.

Appliance Tips for Conserving Energy

• Microwaves and toaster ovens use less energy than conventional ovens when reheating food.
• Fuller freezers use less energy than empty ones.
• Matching your pot to your stove’s burner size to save on energy costs.
• Copper-bottom pots and pans heat more evenly and efficiently.
• Economy mode on dishwashers use less water.

Save on Energy Costs with Other Tips

• Reflective coatings on your roof can help reduce strain on your AC unit.
• Reflective roofs prevent expansion and contraction. This movement destroys normal roofs.

Contact our Waukesha home designers and builders today to set up an appointment to discuss your ideal aesthetics, functionality and budget.