Your bills are higher than expected? Feeling down cause you aren’t as eco-friendly as you want to be? Don’t blame the whole thing on yourself! High energy spending doesn’t mean you cannot save! In fact, in most cases, high spending is due to loose windows, poor insulation, and low-quality flooring.

Using the water heater less often is a piece of good advice to cut down spending, but what if we told you there is a way to retain comfort and save energy at the same time? Don’t believe us? Check out these statistically proven ways of making your house more energy-efficient:

Energy Star Appliances

You have probably heard of the term “Energy Stars”. But what does it mean? Energy star is a mark, put on products that have been tested and are certified for high energy efficiency. What this means is that these products use less energy to get the same job done. Such products vary from electrical kettles to dryers and dishwashers.

The prices for these Energy Star appliances are basically the same as for regular products. If you are just moving in, purchasing certified products is a great start. Statistics show how one Energy Star product used on a daily basis, like a water heater, can save up to 10% of an energy bill. Imagine how much you will end up saving if most of your appliances are ones with Energy Stars.

New Doors & Windows

The thing most homeowners don’t know is that the quality of your windows & doors determines the amount written on an energy bill. And fortunately for us, like kettles and dishwashers, windows and doors can get an Energy Star as well.

So, if you have old, damaged and technologically outdated windows or doors, chances are you are spending much more on heating and cooling systems. On the other hand, new vinyl windows and fiberglass doors save 15% of an energy bill. This is because their tight seals and weatherproof materials let neither outside air to enter nor inside to exit.

Besides improving efficiency, window replacement adds home value and can have an ROI of 76%. Modern home buyers and millennials love energy efficiency and curb appeal and what better way to combine these two than by adding new front doors and bay or bow Energy Star windows.

Insulate & Seal

Basic chemistry laws teach us how heat goes up. The highest point in our houses is the attic, so if you don’t have a properly insulated attic, all of that heat disappears into the air, resulting in you turning up the heating system more often. Apart from the attic, windows, doors, walls, and floors must be strong enough to retain temperatures. So insulating and sealing them is recommended for every home.

Remember that the floor acts as an insulator as well and impacts heat/cool loss. This is why most decide to put carpets or rugs on the ground, keeping temperatures on the inside. However, in some cases, these might not be enough. Once, in my student years, I lived in a house where the floor was pure cement. And in the cold winter days, Oh how I prayed for hardwood, tile or laminate flooring.

To decide which upgrade to choose, look at the weak points in your home or which ones need the most insulation and sealant coatings. If you cannot find a solution, consult with experts who will be happy to tell you where to put your focus on.