Successful Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Around 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by energy generated from homeowners. While so many agree that improving energy efficiency is important and useful, plenty of people have yet to green their homes to some degree. These cheap and easy tips will help transform your home into an eco-friendly center in no time.

Energy Efficient Homes: Light Bulbs

The simplest and most cost-effective way to save energy and save money on your electric bill is with compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. These Energy Star approved bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. While they used to be expensive, CFLs can now be found in any hardware store, as well as grocery and discount stores. Switch out the incandescent bulbs in your home with these swirling ones and see how their bright, eco-friendly glow lasts longer.

Energy Efficient Homes: Caulking

Another extremely valuable way to cut down on energy is by insulating homes so that heat and cold do not seep out. Sealing the gaps and cracks in your home with silicone caulk can reduce the total energy spent by up to 10 percent. Silicone is always flexible, waterproof and does not shrink compared to acrylic caulk. This way, your house does not need to turn up the heat higher or the air conditioning cooler, thereby saving on energy costs during peak months in the summer and winter.

Energy Efficient Homes: Showerheads

Water conservation is just as important as reducing energy usage. Installing low-flush toilets and high efficiency showerheads are cheap ways to cut down on the amount of hot water used in your home by up to 40 percent. With nearly 8,000 gallons of water wasted every year waiting for the water to get hot, it is a worthy investment. Energize your home efficiently and start cutting back on your carbon footprint.