Our Top Home Energy Saving Tips

Conserving energy is not just a trendy concept, but rather the new norm among homeowners. Motivated by saving money on utility bills, as well as by the desire to play a role in protecting the environment, homeowners are taking steps to make their homes more energy efficient and to change their behaviors to conserve energy at home. The choices you make when designing your home, as well as your personal behaviors and habits, can impact the energy efficiency of your home. The bottom line is that an energy efficient home will cost less to operate. Comparing homes on a per-square-foot basis, a new home built with efficiency in mind will have significantly lower operating costs. Beyond designing your home to be more energy efficient, here are some additional tips on how to conserve energy at home:

• Select energy efficient appliances, and install energy efficient windows and HVAC systems;
• Weatherize your home by sealing leaks around vents, windows, and doors;
• Insulate your home, including your attic to prevent hot air from escaping – the level of insulation you should install (the R-value) will depend on where your home is located and the local climate; 
• Swap out your old light bulbs and use LEDs instead;
• Install smart technology throughout your home, including thermostats and lights that can be set to accommodate your schedule 
• Wash your clothes in cold water
• Clear vents and replace air filters
• Unplug items when not in use to limit the phantom energy that is being wasted 
• Replace conventional power strips with advanced power strips (APS) to help reduce wasted electricity;
• Plant trees to add shade around your home; 
• Use blinds and window treatments to keep the hot sun out and the interior of your home naturally cool.

At Homewood Homes, we understand the value of building and buying an energy efficient home. For more than 50 years, our ‘more home for the money’ philosophy has driven us to give growing families not only the space they need, but the unique features that truly make a house a home. Contact us today to learn more.