One Weekend and 6 DIY Ways to more Energy Efficient Home

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Want to save some money this weekend? Create a more energy efficient home with these 6 DIY activities and put that cash back in your pocket for good.

(Image via Flickr by Jamiesrabbits)

 

Everyone wants to find ways to reduce their utility bills without tapping into savings. Thankfully its possible with one free weekend and a little initiative! You can take several simple steps to reduce your energy usage, create a more energy efficient home, and save money. Not only will this make you feel good, but an energy efficient home lessens the impact of global warming, reduces pollution, and makes your home a more comfortable place to inhabit.

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We’ve compiled 6 DIY ways to a more energy efficient home, all easily accomplished over a single weekend. From tasks that will take you less than a minute, to ones that you can accomplish in a few hours, you won’t have to give up too much time to make some significant energy improvements for your home. Let’s get started!

 

1. Hang Curtains and Shades on Windows

These window treatments can keep warm air inside your home during the winter months, and the cool air from escaping through your windows during the summer months. Your options are limitless!

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are easy to install. You can easily adjust programmable thermostats according to a preset schedule. This feature is useful if, for example, you forget to turn down the heat before leaving your house for the day.

3. Introduce a Low-Flow Shower-head

Replace your standard shower-heads with low-flow shower-heads. For maximum water efficiency, select a shower-head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

4. When You Leave a Room, Turn Off the Lights

You don’t need lights on if a room is empty. This simple step costs you nothing, but will help trim your electric bill.

5. Replace old Light bulbs with LED or CFL Bulbs

Light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs and CFL bulbs can reduce your energy usage up to 75 percent. CFLs last about 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and LEDs last longer than CFLs. Both of these choices consume less energy than incandescent bulbs.

6. Don’t Waste Money Heating or Cooling the Outside

Another way to keep warm or cool air inside is to seal any air leaks you may find around your doors and windows. Air can seep in under doors and through windows where weather-stripping is worn. Add a bead of silicone caulk to seal those drywall cracks.

More Tips to Lower Bills and Energy Usage 

• Wash clothes in warm water and clean the lint trap before drying your clothes. Your clothes will dry faster, and washing with warm water will use less energy.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air in your home.
• Regularly replace your HVAC system air filters to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system.
• Cook with lids on pots and pans to heat food more quickly and use less energy.

Once you are saving money on your utility bills, you can use the extra cash to replace older appliances, install solar panels, install new awnings, or invest in other ways of making a more energy efficient home. Making these low-cost and no-cost eco-friendly changes will not only lower your monthly utility bills and make your home more comfortable, but also help you to do your part to make the world and your community a better place.

 

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