Everything is getting more expensive, including our energy. Then again, thanks to new technology developing so fast, experts are beginning to use nature in a more sustainable way to make energy less expensive.

 

New appliances and gadgets that are eco-friendly might cost a little extra, but in the long run they are worth it, for they can help your home to become more energy-efficient.

 

Where to start, what to choose and what to change? Changing your home in such a way does not really have to be that complicated. Start of by making small changes. Ask yourself: where do you use energy frequently, what is costing you the most energy and where does the energy go to waste?

 

The construction itself

 

Pay attention where the energy leaks

Sealing your home from air leaks is one of the simplest upgrades that you can make. Windows and doors are the most common places where air-leak occurs. This raises the energy bills by 25%. Caulking and weather stripping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that can be used.

 

Add some insulation

Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain, particularly in roofs and ceilings, walls and floors. This will help your home keep warm in winter and cool in summer without over using the heating or cooling system and can let you save up to 40%. There are a lot of eco-friendly insulation materials on the market - for example, sheep's wool, aerogel and thermacork.

 

 

Inside your home

 

Get the lighting right

An average household dedicates about 5% of its energy budget to lighting. You can cut this expense by choosing light bulbs that have earned the energy star. You can choose between halogen incandescent, CFL, and LED lightbulbs. Not all areas of the house need strong lights. Opt for lamps with low lighting in areas where you only need to light up a small space. Install motion sensitive switches to activate and turn off where right.

 

Buying the right appliances

When buying new appliances, you should take care to buy appliances that have 5-star energy efficiency rating.

 

Making the right choices

An AC cooling system uses a lot more of energy comparing to a ceiling fan. In the summer time, using the wind to dry you clothes costs nothing compared to a tumble dryer. Having a fireplace inside can keep you warm during winter and the central heating off.

 

Simple steps like lowering your water heater temperature and using low flow-shower heads can help reduce water heating bill.

 

 

Outside your home

 

Energy generation

Solar panels, wind power or micro hydro, depending on place, are the sustainable energy of the future.

 

Lighting up outside

Solar lanterns in your pathway or on you patio is the best way to go.

 

Making your home more energy-efficient depends on your taste and lifestyle, but there are a lot of appliances and gadgets on the market to fit every need and which are improving everyday in order to help cut that energy bills in half.

 

 

Written by Matt Jambro, an editor for South Shore Roofing, Georgia

 

South Shore Roofing is a full service roofing company based out of Savannah, Georgia. Started by Kyle Patrick, we've continued to grow year-after-year through our excellent communication, high quality installations and friendly customer service. We specialize in working with many types of roofing materials for both residential and commercial applications of any size, scope or scale.

 

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