Aldy Way

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, just energy improvements can reduce energy costs by more than 40 percent at the most affordable housing. Although it is best to think about energy saving techniques in home design and construction, there are still many adjustments that you can do to make your current home to improve overall efficiency and reduce your energy bill.

efficient lighting
Reduce power and keep your home cool, compact and tubular fluorescent lights. Home Energy reports that CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and will last almost 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Although slightly more expensive than conventional bulbs, the CFLs save about $ 30 in energy costs and pay for itself in just 6 months.

efficient appliances
The largest energy usually comes big house hold appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, I cut your energy costs me more than a third by using appliances with Energy Star label. According to Energy Star, during the ENERGY STAR washer, you'll save enough money to pay for the cost of matching dryer and save enough water to fill three backyard swimming pools. Energy efficient refrigerators use 20 percent less energy and can reduce electricity bills by almost $ 170 over the life of your refrigerator. Energy efficient dishwashers use 31% less energy and 33% less water than conventional machines, saving you almost $ 40 a year, and 2 liters of water per cycle.

efficient windows
Energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR windows can be more expensive than standard models, but the energy savings are well worth it because they can reduce their heating and cooling costs by 30 percent. Energy Star reports savings of up to $ 465 a year on energy bills when replacing a window pane up to $ 111 per year over the double-pane, clear glass replacement windows. In addition, storm windows can reduce heat loss in winter and up to 50 percent. Alternatively, the window shade with solar glass to allow light in, turn your unwanted solar heat and blocks 95% of harmful UV rays that cause fading.

air leakage
According to the Smart Energy Living Alliance, the average home leaks 60% of air every hour. This excess air leakage in homes can increase heating and cooling bills by 30 percent. While windows and doors contribute to air leakage, the biggest culprits are usually in the attic, crawl space or basement.
Reducing air leakage typically costs less than $ 200 for the average home. Sealing, caulking or weather stripping to join air leaks can save 10 percent or more on energy costs. Tightening your home can lower heating and cooling needs, allowing you to switch to a smaller capacity HVAC systems that use less energy.

Except for electricity, you can also save thousands on maintenance costs down the road. Energy efficient homes have more control humidity and temperature which reduces the movement of construction materials, to prevent drywall cracks and wall distortion. Humidity control reduces condensation that can warp framing, windows and finish materials, as well as the cause of the mold.