It's wise to invest in energy efficient home improvements. With the right changes, you can lower your energy usage and enjoy savings for years to come. While you may have already made the switch to fluorescent bulbs and chosen Energy Star appliances, there are a few changes you may not have considered.GET ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWSEven windows that are only 15 years old can have weakened seals and drafts in them. Modern energy-efficient window designs use cutting-edge technology to create a better seal and improve the energy efficiency of your home. Double pane windows feature air space that helps keep condensation down, and improved gaskets ensure a tight fit for greater energy efficiency levels. You should thoroughly research your window dealer such as PolarSeal Windows to ensure that you are getting windows that actually utilize the most modern energy-efficient technology.INVEST IN TIGHTER DUCTSDucts aren't necessarily airtight. The treated air moving through them can leak out into unoccupied areas of the home, including your attic or crawlspace. Stop this energy loss and boost your efficiency ratings by having the ducts professionally sealed. Various HVAC and duct cleaning companies offer this service. They look for loose connections and other areas where air is escaping. With the ducts properly sealed, your furnace and air conditioner won't have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. Some companies will also clean the ducts for you, and this also boosts the performance of your heater and air conditioner.GO UNDERGROUNDTraditional HVAC systems treat the air that's already in your home, but geothermal systems pull air from deep in the ground. This air is at a stable temperature throughout the year because it's below the frost line. In the summer, it's far cooler than the air outside, so it will easily cool your home as it's pumped inside. In the winter, it's drastically warmer than the air outside, and that makes it easier for the furnace to keep the home warm. Geothermal systems are far more energy efficient than traditional HVAC units. They also qualify for tax rebates to help bring the cost down.When it's time to make your home more energy efficient, there are many steps you can take. While some are very easy, like adding insulation to the attic or switching to better appliances, others require calling in the professionals. A geothermal heat pump and new windows are investments in your home that will repay you again and again through lower energy bills. Follow Dude, Sustainable! on Twitter or Pinterest, or subscribe to our newsletter.
Reference: renewable-technologies.blogspot.com
