When you move into a new home, your mind is racing with all of the different things you need to do. You need to unpack, get the utilities set up, and do so many other things.
However, another thing you should consider doing is improving the energy in the home. This could be saving money on your energy, making your home more efficient, or anything in between. Without any further ado, this article is going to go over some important home energy improvements that you can make after moving into a new home.
Choose Your Provider Wisely
One of the biggest improvements you can make to your energy is to choose your provider wisely. Different energy providers will have different costs, different customer service, and potentially even different quality.
While not all areas have a deregulated energy market, if yours does, you should be taking advantage of it. Shopping around will help ensure you will be paying the right electricity costs and find a provider that works for your needs. Comparing and contrasting the various different providers is also easier now than ever thanks to the internet.
In addition to saving money, there are also some providers who will offer green energy solutions who prefer it.
Change to More Efficient Appliances and Solutions
Another popular change for people to make in terms of energy when they move into a new home is to boost the efficiency of the home. This can be done in a number of different ways. You can switch to more efficient light bulbs, use a smart thermostat, or even install more efficient appliances.
Replacing your washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge with efficient options can drastically reduce the amount of energy your home uses. Not only does improving the energy efficiency of your home help to save the environment, but it can also save you a lot of money. Because these efficient appliances and solutions use less energy, they cost you much less on a monthly basis.
Make Sure the Home is Air Tight
This is an underrated step, but one that can greatly improve the energy usage in your home. When you move into your new home, you want to be sure to check for any leaks, crafts, or drafts in the walls or foundation. These can be anywhere but are generally found near doors or windows. The reason to look for this is that these cracks and leaks can lead to you having to use much more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
For example, if it is cold outside, you will run the heat to keep your home comfortable. But if there are drafts and leaks, the cold air from outside will be sneaking inside. This means you will have to run your furnace much longer to reach the desired temperature, thus wasting a ton of energy.
In addition to patching up any leaks, cracks, or drafts, you should also look to check the insulation. There should be an ample amount of insulation in the home, and it shouldn’t be old. Unfortunately, if you bought an old house, there is a good chance the insulation is also quite old and might not be as effective as you may have liked.
Be sure to reach out to professionals who can check the quality of the insulation, and replace it if need be. Sure, this might cost you, but it will also save you in heating and cooling and contribute to a more comfortable home.
Whether you decide to rethink your provider, use more efficient appliances or seal up your home from the outside elements, there are several things you can do to improve your home energy. This can not only save you money but also help the environment at the same time.