Energy efficiency has become a primary area of focus for homeowners in recent years due to environmental concerns and rising energy costs. While some energy costs are unavoidable, there are many ways to minimize energy costs and reduce your environmental impact without compromising your home’s comfort. As a team of leading commercial and residential electrical contractors, BNR Electric knows how important energy efficiency is for every home. That is why we have provided a list of energy-efficient upgrades for your home to help you reduce energy costs while increasing comfort.
What does it cost to install new light fixtures in your home?
4 UPGRADES TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS FOR YOUR HOME
The following upgrades can help you reduce energy costs while enhancing liveability:
1. EFFICIENT LIGHTBULBS AND LIGHT FIXTURES
While fluorescent bulbs were the norm for many years, they are no longer the best lighting option for most homes. These bulbs consume more energy than modern LED-based products while producing less light and more heat. By swapping to LED bulbs or modern fixtures with built-in LED lighting, you can increase the amount of light in your home while reducing heat production and energy consumption. Many modern light bulbs or fixtures can also be connected to smart lighting systems, allowing you to further optimize energy usage.
2. SMART THERMOSTATS
When it comes to energy costs, heating and cooling will typically account for a large portion of your bill. This is especially true if you forget to adjust your thermostat based on the time of the day or tend to leave the temperature higher/lower than it needs to be. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to set an automated climate control schedule for your home, reducing the usage of heating/cooling systems at night or during hours when you will not be home.
3. ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES
The appliances in your home can make a significant difference for your energy bill. If your home is equipped with an old oven, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, or microwave, it is often worth replacing these units with modern Energy Star appliances. These units offer exceptional performance while reducing energy costs, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.
4. HIGH-QUALITY INSULATION
While most homeowners will think of electronic devices when increasing energy efficiency, elements like insulation and windows are equally important. Cheap insulation and thin windows can cause the interior of your home to be more easily influenced by extreme external temperatures, requiring your furnace or air conditioner to do more work to maintain a comfortable environment. Though it may require some work, it is worth installing high-quality insulation and thick windows. These solutions typically pay for themselves over time through consistent energy savings, noise reduction, and enhanced comfort, making them well worth the investment.
To learn more about energy-efficient upgrades for your home to discuss the details of your electrical project, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.