There are several home upgrades that you can do to reduce energy consumption and create a less wasteful home. Many efficiency upgrades, such as updated insulation, help protect the home, while others, such as smart thermostats, can offer new levels of convenience.

We asked professional about the best ways to make your home more energy efficient that you will save you money.

Take home energy audit

Before you make serious changes in the home, you should find out exactly which areas of the home you should invest to get the best results.

“The first step that many homeowners can take is to perform home energy (also called energy assessment), which offers a view of the upper lower sight of where the home consumes energy and money saving in energy.” Courtney Moriarta says, director of unique family housing in New York State Energy and Development Agency (NYSERDA). “Findings from the assessment can help the priority of the steps to be more energy efficient.”

On average you can expect to pay between $ 212 to $ 699 Depending on the size of the house and the audit level. These relatively lower investments will help create the basic framework to improve the efficiency of the house.

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Air sealing

Gaps and cracks around windows, doors and openings can allow heat to avoid from home in winter or in summer to enter the home, which leads to increased energy costs.

“Most of the homes that are over 10 years old will have sealing for sealing; a process in which a professional contractor uses the home testing door to find and measured air leaks to seal,” Moriart says.

Air seal Home will prevent leakage and reduce the amount of households lost energy. It can even help your HVAC system be in good condition by reducing the time to move the stove or air conditioning need to run.

The average cost for extraction for sealing the entire home ranges from 600 to $ 2,300, Although this investment is worth the price for long-term savings.

Replace or upgrade the insulation

Just like gaps and cracks leave the heat openings from home, poor or missing insulation has the same effect, causing the house to grow warm in summer and loses heat during the winter.

“If your home was built more than 20 years ago, you may need insulating upgrades next to the air seal,” says Moriarta.

Adding or replacing insulation in the attic, walls and floors is a very efficient way to reduce energy and save money in energy bills. You will usually pay between $ 0.40 and $ 6.75 per square foot For insulation, although the exact price varies depending on the type of insulation you choose.

Switch to LED lighting

Modification from the light bulb light on the light bulbs The light bulbs is quick, an affordable way to improve the energy efficiency of the household.

LED lights can save on energy and home lighting costs, but it is important to note that bulb light bulbs cost 2 to $ 3 per lights, while LED bulbs cost around 5 to $ 10 per light bulb, So, in the beginning you will pay more for this upgrade.

LED bulbs tend to use up to 75 percent less energy and last much longer than light thread bulbs.

Add a jacket for hot water to the boiler

Purchase of hot water jackets for water heater, which are renewed on the insulation device, prevents heat loss.

This simple upgrade could reduce heat loss for 25 to 45 percent. Given that the average hot water jacket costs about $ 20, This is obvious benefit for home.

“If your heating, cooling or warm water equipment has more than 10 years, it is a good idea to work with an energy auditor and / or performer to plan to upgrade your equipment before any question,” Moriart says.

Install the smart thermostat

Smart thermostats automatically control temperature setting depending on the time of day, season and house occupancy. Installing a smart thermostat is relatively accessible, with an average price of $ 200 to $ 500.

Once the thermostat is installed, simply set the device to the desired temperature, and then create certain schedules so you can reduce the power consumption home when you are not retracted or sleep.

Invest in shower with small flow

Another simple weekend project that can help reduce energy and reduce the total consumption in energy accounts is to install a low flow shower in the entire home. On average you can expect to pay about $ 50 to $ 100 per shower head, But you can find and basic low flow options for only $ 20 If you are not picky in style.

Shower head restricts water flow, preventing excess water loss.