Older homes have a charm to them that newer houses can’t match. Unfortunately, with this incredible charm comes higher electricity bills that can drive any homeowner up the wall. Here are the three main things to do to update your home and bring your energy bill into the 21st century.
Heating and Cooling
One of the fastest ways to reduce your energy bills in an older home is to take a heating and cooling system. Older homes are built with some insulation, but that’s not enough to keep out the elements. One of the first steps to take when fixing your heating is to replace your windows. Windows are the largest source of air moving in and out of a building. After you’ve corrected those, there are a couple more steps to take.
Most older homes have wood flooring with gaps. Seal those gaps, and you block even more drafts from traveling through your home.
You can also have more insulation added, replace doors, and move to seal up any other things that may allow the outside elements into your home.
Lights
Older homes don’t have the best electrical systems. Replace your outlets, lights, and anything else that draws electricity and hasn’t been updated in the last twenty years. This step can be costly upfront, depending on how much you replace, but it can pay off in the long run. The money you save from smaller electricity bills, less frequently replaced light bulbs and more moderate general use can back up the money you spent upfront.
It’s important that with this change, you also keep in mind how much you use your lights. Smart lights and intelligent house systems can help you use less electricity. Instead of shopping around for Newark houses for sale, make your homework by making small changes.
Appliances
This change may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many older homes still have a working stove fire or other appliances that aren’t helping your bill. These appliances, if not sucking in electricity, are allowing an extra draft into your home. These changes add up into an overly expensive energy bill for devices you may not be using anymore.
When you replace your appliances, if they’re washers and dryers, go for devices that are energy efficient. These will be able to lower your bills even more, as well as offering cleaner clothes and sheets.
If all of your devices are up to date, make sure to keep them routinely cleaned and checked. Don’t let your dryer fill with lint, and don’t leave your washer closed so that mold can grow in it.
To Sum Up!
Whether you’re on your first home, or you’re third, renovating an older house to be more energy-efficient can be a massive project to undertake. Carefully consider your house’s needs, what you’re capable of, and what you should have a professional complete. There isn’t any shame in hiring a professional to update parts of your home that you’re not trained to update. In the end, what’s important is how much you love living in your home.
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