As a new homeowner, you will have a lot going on in your life. And while saving on your home’s energy costs might not be anywhere near the top of your new To Do list, energy efficiency is a factor in several decisions you’ll be making in your first weeks and months living in your new home. As you make decisions for your new home, consider these energy-saving tips.
Energy Saving Tips 101
You will have a lot of possibilities for saving energy as a homeowner. Whether you have a newer home or an older house, there are things you can implement to make your home comfortable while still structured not to waste energy.
First Steps to Make a Home More Energy-Efficient
There are many places you can start to make your home more energy-efficient. Choose ones that are the best fit for your budget.
- An Energy Audit Ordering an energy audit for your new home can help you pinpoint exactly where you have energy issues and allow you to tackle them successfully. The process will involve reviewing appliances and equipment, windows and doors for air leaks, ductwork, and lighting, and offering recommendations for improvement.
- Insulate Is your new home well-insulated? Your energy audit will likely reveal this answer for you. Also, looking at obvious places like in the attic areas can tip you off to insulation concerns and should be on your list for energy savings in your new home.
- Appliances A home could come with older appliances that consume greater quantities of energy than is necessary. Updated and energy-star-rated appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers can show impressive results in energy savings.
- Thermostat Are you wasting heat or air conditioning with your new home’s existing thermostat? Consider upgrading to a programmable unit for a more customizable environment.
- Bulbs Update your new home’s light bulbs to save energy and money. “The use of new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can reduce the energy use required by lighting by 50% to 75%.” – nachi.org. That can be significant if you use lighting often in your new home, for example, if you work from home.
- Water Heater A tankless water heater can save considerable energy by providing hot water only when needed. Turning down a traditional water heater or insulating it in cold conditions can help reduce energy loss as well.
- Water Fixtures New toilets and low-flow shower heads can also be beneficial to your energy-saving process. “Toilets consume 30% to 40% of the total water used in homes, making them the biggest water users.” – nachi.org
So, What is the Best First Step for Reducing Energy Consumption?
Deciding how important energy consumption is to you will help guide you with your new home energy-saving projects. Lighting can be an easy first step, and new appliances can be a considerable and beneficial adjustment. Adjusting your thermostat and using more fans in warm weather can also be highly worthwhile to save on your energy usage and costs.
Increasing the size and investment of your projects as you live in your new home is a productive way to move from energy-wasteful to energy-efficient.
Working with an Experienced Memphis Area Real Estate Agent
When it’s time to sell your existing home or buy a great new place, turn to a highly regarded and well-informed local real estate agent. You want someone who you can trust to give you the best advice and know-how for your new home purchase or sale. Check out my other great real estate articles to help you through your home selling and buying experience here in Memphis. Staging homes for sale is also part of my expertise. Please ask me about it when you reach out.
Take a minute to learn more about me. With over 19 years of top-notch service for my clients, I can guide you with your house sale, new home purchase, or buying a great parcel of land. As a top, licensed real estate agent in the Memphis area, showing you the best properties for you and your family is my goal!
Contact me at (901) 828-8919 or drop me a quick note at angie@angiekelley.com and we can speak in person about your plans and options.
