6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

The United States uses 23% of the world’s energy, yet only holds 5% of the world’s population*

How much energy does your household consume?

Conserving energy is not only better for the environment, but it is also beneficial for you and your family. Investing in an energy efficient home can help you lower utility bills, improve comfort and give your home a higher resale value.

Here are some quick and effective changes you can make in your current home:

Create a temperature schedule

Investing in a programmable thermostat is one of the best things you can do for your HVAC system and wallet. Align your home’s temperature with your family’s schedule, raising or lowering a few degrees when you are out of the house. This not only helps lower your energy bills, but allows for optimal comfort.

Install low-flow showerheads

Most showerheads use 5 gallons of water per minute while low-flow options have an average rate of just 2.5, helping you save water and money.

Seal windows

Over time, your windows can develop cracks and air leaks. Adding weather stripping or caulking to fill in gaps is a quick and easy way to avoid having warm or cool air leave your home, therefore helping to lower energy bills.

Reduce water usage

According to the EPA, the average homeowner can save about $170 a year by making small changes to their water usage. Turning the water off while brushing your teeth, avoiding half-loads of laundry and making sure your dishwasher is completely full before running it are just a few easy ways to help you conserve water.

Unplug chargers

The average electronic device charger consumes .26 watts of energy when not in use. How many chargers do you currently having sitting in outlets throughout your home? By remembering to unplug your chargers after use, you can decrease unnecessary energy consumption.

Switch out lightbulbs

Did you know the average home uses 40 lightbulbs?* By switching out old incandescent lightbulbs for Halogen or LED options, your bulbs will last longer and your electric bill will be smaller.

If you are looking to invest in a more energy efficient home, we can help. At Bontrager Custom Homes, we use quality, Earth-friendly products in our custom home building and remodeling projects. We help guide our clients to select energy efficient options when it comes to lighting and appliances.

Let us help you create a quality, custom home that fits your needs, complements your lifestyle and positively impacts the environment.

*Energystar