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Written By: Capital Good Fund DoubleGreen Loan Team
As winter weather looms, many people begin to dread the higher cost of heating and electric utilities. Closing the windows and turning down the thermostat are not the only actions that can help you avoid high heating bills. Below are some tips to make your home more energy efficient whether you are living in an apartment or in a home.
Consider having an energy assessment
Many people don’t realize that they can receive a no-cost energy assessment for their home. In Massachusetts, there is the Mass Save Program which provides energy consultations to customers of most major power companies. Check with your utility provider to see if this is an option for you. The consultation doesn’t cost any extra money since the cost is already built into the monthly energy bill. The energy assessment expert will look at many areas including the windows, the furnace, the water heater, and the insulation to see where you might be losing energy and money. The assessment will provide you a detailed report of your home including areas that can be improved to increase your energy efficiency such as replacing windows, adding new insulation, heat pumps, or water heaters.
Know your options
Many improvements that boost your home’s energy usage are subsidized or have excellent rebate options available. These initiatives can save homeowners and certain renters up to 100% of the cost of energy efficiency improvements. Each state has its own program to reduce energy consumption. Contact our energy concierge service to get connected with no-cost energy assessment programs local to you. You’re not on your own, and energy assessment experts can help you to save money both on your monthly bills and on your home improvements.
Consider energy usage more holistically
Though heating costs are always a winter-time concern, you should also think about other places in your home where you can conserve energy and pay less. Some small changes could make a big difference when you consider the savings throughout the year. For example, a new showerhead could end up saving you both on your water bill and your heating bill, reducing the amount of water you waste each month. Additionally, fixing leaks can prevent water damage and an unnecessarily high water bill. Next time a light bulb goes out, think about buying an LED bulb to replace it; new LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy when compared with traditional ones. Also, new smart power strips could help you to reduce your electric bill, detecting when devices are in standby mode and cutting energy off when it’s not needed.
Overall, there is no one-size-fix-all all solution to improving your home’s energy efficiency. Every home is unique, and every household has different energy needs. Don’t forget about the smaller areas that can be improved more easily as you do your regular home maintenance and repairs. Small changes can add up to big savings down the line. To get more personalized recommendations, consider reaching out to Capital Good Fund about their DoubleGreen Loan program to see where you can most effectively reduce your energy consumption. Consult an expert and do your research to find your options – it could end up saving you thousands on improvements and on your energy bills in the future.