There are a few things that are important to many homeowners no matter the size of their home, and energy efficiency is a great example. Having an efficient home is valuable for everything from cost savings to environmental benefits and even basic peace of mind, and there are a few basic forms of upkeep or maintenance that can help your home remain highly efficient from an energy standpoint.
At Crown Finish, we’re happy to provide a wide range of handyman and general contractor services to clients around Orem, including options like electrical services, lighting and several others where energy efficiency is a key priority. Both for electrical areas and others that speak to home energy efficiency, this two-part blog will look at some general approaches and tips for maintaining an energy-efficient home, whether on your own or with the help of our team wherever necessary.
Consider an Energy Audit
If you’re looking to get a baseline idea of how your home stands from an efficiency perspective, a great way to start is to book an energy audit. A professional energy auditor can visit your property and look at areas that may be leading to waste or inefficiencies, as well as providing you with advice on the best ways to make improvements.
In some cases, your local utility company may offer a free or discounted energy audit, so it’s worth researching that option if you’re interested.
General Inspections and Upkeep
Down somewhat related lines, but more from a homeowner standpoint than a professional one, keeping a regular eye on things like insulation, air ducts and other areas of your home can be a great starting point for keeping an eye on energy efficiency. Ensuring that all windows, doors and fans are sealed properly is another great tip – you’d be surprised how much money (and energy) can escape through even the smallest cracks or openings in these places.
Lightbulb Upgrades
Within the last decade or so, LED lightbulbs have become the default option for most homeowners, and with good reason. LED bulbs last much longer than CFL bulbs (and are much more efficient in terms of energy costs) and can help you save a substantial amount on your electricity bill throughout the year.
Beyond just swapping out bulbs as needed or desired, it’s also important to consider how and where you use them. Opting for natural sunlight, especially in brighter rooms or during the day, can be a great way to cut down on energy costs without having to make any significant changes elsewhere.
In part two of our series, we’ll look at some more specific tips for keeping an energy-efficient home, as well as ways to help your efforts be successful and cost-effective. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Crown Finish for any questions or inquiries you may have about our handyman or contractor services – we’re always happy to lend a hand wherever and however needed!