Looking for ways to make your home greener this summer? Sustainable upgrades can help improve your home’s energy efficiency, which is not only good for the earth, but your health—and your wallet!
Let’s explore a few ways you can make your home more energy efficient:
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels could have a huge impact on your home’s energy efficiency by converting sunlight into electricity, reducing your home’s reliance on fossil fuels and possibly lowering energy bills. As an added bonus, they may increase your home’s resale value. If you decide to convert to solar, be sure to find a reputable installation company by checking the Better Business Bureau’s website.
2. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Single-glazed windows and poorly insulated doors allow heat to escape your home, making your heating system work harder and pushing up your energy usage. Installing double- or triple-glazed windows may significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Doors made of materials such as steel, aluminum, reclaimed wood or fiberglass help to hold in heat, and ensuring they have adequate weatherstripping helps keep the home energy efficient.
3. Wall, Floor and Ceiling Insulation
Insulation within the walls of your home is also critical to not letting energy go to waste. Better insulation helps keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Sustainable materials for home insulation include sheep wool, cork, wood fiber, cellulose and even recycled denim.
4. Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an extremely sustainable and innovative technology because, unlike traditional home heating systems, they transfer heat rather than generating it. Heat pumps may be up to four times as efficient as gas boilers, and they can operate reliably for years.1 If you live in an area with mild winters, an air-source heat pump may work well for your home, but if you live in a colder area, a ground-source heat pump or cold-climate heat pump may be a better solution—be sure to consult with an expert.
5. Low-Flow Faucets
Think of the many ways you use water in your home—washing dishes, showering, doing laundry, cooking, brushing your teeth. The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.2 One of the best ways to cut down on your family’s water usage is to switch to low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets, which provide the same functionality while saving water. Making the swap could save you a bundle from your water bill.
6. Smart Thermostats
If you’d like to keep track of your energy usage at home, smart devices can monitor your energy use and adjust at certain times of day, so your home is only heated or cooled as necessary. Combined with energy-efficient lighting and appliances, you might be surprised how much money you can shave off your energy bill.
Make This a Sustainable Summer
The technology and materials available today make it easy to be kinder to the earth, so why not make the switch this season? Make your home eco-friendly this summer.
If you’re not sure how you’ll finance your sustainable home upgrades, Newrez has great options. If you qualify, you could pull cash from your home’s equity,† secure a home equity line of credit,^ or even refinance your mortgage into a renovation loan. Reach out to a Newrez loan expert to learn more.
References:
1New research confirms heat pumps are three to four times more efficient than boilers - ACR Journal
