November is upon us, and with its cooler temperatures comes the promise of more time inside our cozy homes, especially in this time of social distancing. MoreVent understands that when your family feels like hibernating, you want to be ready with efficient and functioning home appliances. The problem is, heating bills (among others) can soar in autumn and winter months, and even more so with many working from and spending more time at home. If your bills are higher than you want, maybe it’s time to invest in energy-efficient home improvements.
It’s an investment
Creating a more energy-efficient home is smart for both your wallet and the planet. Not only that, but upgrades you make now can provide a higher return on investment later in property value. Some changes will be less expensive and have an immediate impact, such as sealing windows, weather stripping doors, and installing ceiling fans. To check how energy efficient your home really is, use ENERGY STAR®’s Home Energy Yardstick online evaluation.
Out with the old, in with the more efficient
There are many ways to boost the energy efficiency of your home. Some are less expensive than others but still have a high return in terms of energy savings. One change is to replace the most-used appliances in your home with energy-efficient versions. This may sound overwhelming in terms of cost, but tax credits and the long term money savings could make up for today’s upfront costs. Replacing an outdated heating or air conditioning system is the biggest ticket item in creating more energy efficiency and lowering monthly bills. Talk to one of the professionals at MoreVent to see if it’s time to replace your HVAC system.
Simple upgrades
A programmable thermostat is a simple and great way to save energy. These devices allow you to control temps while away from home, raising or lowering degrees as needed. Some learning thermostats actually adapt temps to your family’s schedule. Insulating the attic and resealing windows and doors is another great way to keep out the cold.
If you enjoy a hot shower every morning, consider switching to a low-flow showerhead. Faucets and toilets also can be changed fairly easily to low flow, which means your home will use the minimum amount of water needed to get the job done. Using LED or CFL lightbulbs is another easy fix that can save you money over time. If you prefer to increase the natural lighting in your home, consider installing skylights or enlarging windows.
Cheaper eats
With social distancing mandates keeping restaurant visits limited, the kitchen has become a much-used room, as home-cooked meals are once again the mainstay. Switching out old appliances for more energy-efficient versions can make a huge difference in your energy bills. Purchase an ENERGY STAR®–rated refrigerator or change to a convection oven. You even may be eligible for a special offer, so check out ENERGY STAR®’s Rebate Finder.
There are many ways to improve your home’s efficiency and cut costs. Some involve bigger upfront costs, and some are easy and fairly inexpensive. All are critical investments in turning your home into a comfortable haven. Take advantage of evaluation tools or the experts at MoreVent to identify your least efficient home areas and make needed changes. Our MoreVent professionals specialize in air conditioning, heating systems, and water heaters as well as plumbing. Call us at 1-610-257-7702 with your questions, and we’ll help you decide how to best improve efficiency and boost cost savings in your home.
