Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to involve expensive upgrades or months of renovations. With a few tweaks to your habits and a little DIY, you can make your home more comfortable and save money too.

Follow our tips and advice for quick and easy ways to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Whether you’re a homeowner, a private or social renter, a student, or you live with your parents, there are many things you can do. We’re all responsible for the energy we use in our homes.

Ways to make your home more energy efficient

1.Tend to your furnace

New high-efficiency furnaces use the least amount of energy, but older models can also be made more efficient. Annual servicing by a professional is the first step. That will involve cleaning the parts you can’t see or reach and making sure it isn’t working harder than it has to. 

2.Wrap the water heater

On-demand water heaters are often the most efficient choice since water is only heated when it’s in use. Try wrapping them in an insulating blanket for electric hot water tanks to reduce heat loss.

3.Seal ductwork

Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.

4.Install window treatments

Energy-efficient window treatments or coverings such as blinds, shades, and films can slash heat gain when temperatures rise. These devices not only improve the look of your home but also reduce energy costs.

5.Caulk air leaks.

 Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home keeps warm air out and cash in your wallet.

6.Use ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are great when you need to cool bedrooms, but not the whole house, especially at night. The fan will also help in cold months most come with a “reverse” option that pushes hot air down into the room.

7.Fix your windows

Drafty, thin window panes can let a huge amount of heat escape resulting in a higher winter power bill. Consider buying high-performance windows or getting double glazing. If you can’t afford this, then make sure there are no leaks along the base of the window by placing a draft stopper such as a door snake along the rim. You can also insulate your windows by sticking bubble wrap to the panes, which is surprisingly effective. You won’t enjoy much of a view but you’ll save money!

8.Clean large appliances

When the vent at the back of the refrigerator and the clothes dryer exhaust get clogged with dust, the motors work harder, requiring more energy. Vacuum those areas a couple of times every year.

9.Service your air conditioner

Easy maintenance such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Also, the first day of spring could serve as a reminder to check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually to ensure the system performs optimally.

10.Use energy-efficient light bulbs

Buy compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. They use a whopping 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. While CFL bulbs cost a little more, you’ll save money – the bulb lasts a lot longer and doesn’t use as much energy.

11.Turn down your thermostat

Reduce the temperature setting on all your heating and air-conditioning units, plus your hot-water system by two to three degrees. Never leave heaters on all night – instead heat your bed with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket for a few minutes. This, along with your own body heat, flannel sheets will make you feel nice and warm, even if the air temperature in the room is cold.

12.Fight phantom power consumption

Plug countertop appliances and electronic devices into a power bar and program it to switch off at night. Remember that televisions, cable boxes, PVRs, and game consoles suck energy even when they’re not in use. Having them all on a single power bar makes it easy to switch them off before everyone goes to bed.

13.Invest in an energy audit

Once you’ve done everything you can accomplish yourself, a professional can tell you where there’s room for improvement and more savings.

14.Start a Compost Pile

You don’t need a ton of space in your backyard to start a compost pile. Compost is the result of organic waste that’s kept in a pile or container that decomposes over time. Your fruit and vegetable waste not only becomes valuable fertilizer for your lawn or garden, but it reduces the amount of trash you produce on a daily basis.

15.Installing solar panels

Solar power is one of the safest and greenest solutions to run lighting, air conditioners, water heaters, thermal heating, ventilation fans, electric appliances, and more. Solar panel is the best way that you can make your bills more affordable.

Green Mile Energy offers you the affordable opportunity to save money on your electric bill while also contributing to a cleaner environment. we are here to help you, and you don’t need much to do, just go to the home page and fill out the form and our experts will contact you.