In this day and age, wasted energy is a bigger problem than ever. Not only is it harmful to the environment, it can steadily drain your pocketbook if you aren’t careful. From using your appliances efficiently to discussing upgrades with your roofer in Atlanta, there are steps you can take to ensure you minimize your wasted energy and maximize the energy that you do use and pay for. Insulation One of the most straightforward things you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your home is step up your insulation game. Walls without proper insulation, unfinished attics, garages, and other spaces that are lacking in sufficient insulation can be a major drain on your energy usage, so getting insulation installed or blown in is a smart investment. Windows Old, leaky, or thin windows all result in wasted energy. Instead, upgrade your windows to options with multiple panes, tint your windows, and replace aluminum frames to something more insulated. In addition to upgrading your windows, be smart about how you use them. Obviously, leaving your windows open in the height of summer or depth of winter is not a smart idea, but even the timing of opening and closing your blinds can have an impact on your energy usage. The amount of sunlight you let in (or block, depending on the time of year) can greatly impact the temperatures in your home. Appliances Older appliances are known energy hogs. Rather than letting old appliances run ineffectively, upgrade yours for newer, more efficient models. Look for the Energy Star, which is awarded by the US Environmental Protection Agency to appliances that meet higher standards of energy savings. Low-flow fixtures and appliances can also help with water savings. Using your owner’s manuals as a guide, set appliances for that “perfect” range where they function most effectively. Lighting Fluorescent lightbulbs might seem more expensive than their incandescent counterparts, but they actually last up to 10 times as long. This means you get much more bang for your buck, and using them throughout your home, or even just in parts of your home, means maximizing your energy efficiency. Trees and Shrubs Trees and shrubs around your home are perfectly suited to promoting energy efficiency since they provide needed shade in the summer, yet let light through in the bare winter months. Roofing Reflective, insulating roofing will make a huge difference in your wasted energy, so talking to your roofer in Atlanta can open up doors to more efficient options.
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