5 Energy Efficient Home Improvements To Consider
These days, it seems like everyone in Los Angeles is looking for ways to make their home more energy efficient. Whether you want to improve the insulation around your house or you’d like to install energy efficient shades and blinds in each room of your home, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. The truth is, many people want to do everything they can to conserve energy because it is better for the environment, and it can help save them money in the long run. In this blog, we’ll look at five energy-efficient home improvements to consider for your home.
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Improve The Insulation In Your Home
One of the best ways to ensure your structure is energy efficient is to check your buildings insulation. During the cold winter months, your home may be letting out heat if you don’t have the proper insulation. If your home wasn’t constructed with the proper insulation techniques in mind, there’s a good chance you’re wasting an exorbitant amount of energy on your heating and cooling bills without even knowing it!
Replace Old Windows
If you live in an old home or you’ve started to notice that the windows in your home don’t insulate as well as they used to, it may be time to replace your windows. Most older window frames are not as energy efficient as the new ones, and there are a variety of models and styles to choose from. Double-pane windows and other vinyl frames are normally a much better option than just a single-pane window or aluminum frame. If replacing your windows is out of the question, you may want to consider adding window treatments to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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Switch To Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
With the recent advances in modern technology, thousands of homeowners across California are actively looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re home is filled with incandescent light bulbs, switching over to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) or LED light bulbs can make a world of a difference. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two light sources below:
- Compact Fluorescent Bulbs – These light bulbs typically use 25-35 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. These light bulbs can fit into a standard light socket without an adaptor, and some models are even available with dimmable options. With an average lifespan of 10,000 to 15,000 hours, a CFL bulb is four times more energy efficient than a regular, incandescent bulb.
- LED Light Bulbs – Also known as a light-emitting diode, LED lights are among the best lighting option for homes and businesses. The normal lifespan of these bulbs is approximately 25,000 to 35,000 hours, which means it can last two to four times longer than a CFL bulb. LEDs also have other advantages over CFLs, like the fact that they can withstand extreme temperatures,and they do not contain the toxic ingredient known as mercury.
Unplug Electronics That Are Not In Use
If you’re like most Los Angeles homeowners, you tend to leave your home electronics plugged in all day. From your iPad to your desktop computer, you probably never think about the cost of keeping these items plugged in as you go to work, run errands, and catch a workout class at the gym. As additional technologies continue to invade the American household, they are seldom unplugged or powered down, which can lead to a rise in your energy bills.
Install A Tankless Water Heater
If your home’s water heater has a 12-year warranty and it’s been in service for 15, it may be time to invest in a more energy efficient model. Depending on how much how water you use on a daily basis and how you’re heating your water (gas, oil, or electricity), there are many types of water heaters to choose from. Among the most common type of water heater is the storage tank version, which consists of an insulated tank in which water is heated and stored until needed. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, use coils to heat the water as you need it, so there’s no need to waste energy heating and storing warm water. These are a great option for people looking to save money on their energy bills, as they can heat water directly without the use of a storage tank.
You can cut your electricity bills in half by setting the temperature of your water heater to warm settings (which can be anywhere between 120°F – 130°F). When it comes to washing your clothes and dishes, you won’t need water that is warmer than that. Another tip is to invest in low-flow fixtures for your showers and baths.
As you can see, there are many energy-efficient home improvements you can make on your home. Whether you decide to switch out all of your incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, or you install a tankless water heater in your laundry room, there are a variety of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.
At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, we’re proud to offer energy-efficient window treatments to residents and business owners throughout California. We offer a number of different products and design strategies that can improve your home’s window performance including outdoor blinds, awnings, honeycomb blinds, and roller shades.