How to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient

Energy efficiency in the home is an easy and important way that you can help improve

the environment. Not only does it help reduce the amount of energy you and your family

use on a daily basis, it also helps lower the amount due for utilities, while also working to

conserve our precious resources. By taking a few easy steps around the house, you can

realize the benefits of energy efficiency and start living a “greener” lifestyle.

1. Replace Old Appliances

Old appliances in your home weren’t built to the energy-efficiency standards that are in

place today. Therefore, they use up more power and energy around your entire home.

Energy Star certified appliances such as a refrigerator, water heater and toilet can all help

you reduce your electricity and water bills while also ensuring that water and power

aren’t going to waste. You should also inspect appliances when looking at Elko real

estate, so your new home is also efficient.

2. Improve Lighting Conditions

Something as simple as switching from incandescent to fluorescent light bulbs can result

in a noticeable reduction in energy consumption. Fluorescent bulbs last longer in your

home because they need less electricity in order to produce the same amount of light.

According to StatisticBrain.com the average cost of operating a fluorescent light bulb for

one year is $1.75, compared to $4.80 for an incandescent bulb. In addition, by turning off

the lights during the day and allowing natural sunlight to shine through the windows, you

can take advantage of free light for hours on end.

3. Fix Problems with Insulation

Often a home can be made more energy efficient by fixing problems with the existing

insulation. If there are gaps where doors, windows or walls are not properly sealed, then

you will have a serious issue on your hands. Without proper insulation, cool air in your

home will escape during the summer months, resulting in the need to run the air

conditioner more frequently. It will also allow cold air to penetrate the home in the

winter. By adding new or additional insulation to crawl spaces or the attic, you instantly

improve levels of energy consumption.

4. Solar Power and Shade

Installing solar panels on the roof of your home helps you create and store your own

electricity for later use so you are less dependent on other forms of power. Since you are

generating your own electricity, you can benefit from reduced utility costs, while

investing in a natural source of energy that helps the environment. Add to the beauty of

your yard as well, by planting trees that will provide shade that can cool your home

during the summer. As the sun beats down, the energy and heat infiltrate your windows

and cause temperatures inside your home to rise. A tree can help by giving you welcome

shade and, when it is bare in the winter, the sun can work to warm up your home without

interference.

5. Build a Home Using Energy-Efficient Materials

If you and your family are looking to build a home of your own, Elko, NV real estate

offers an opportunity unlike any other. Start by purchasing the land where you want to

build and work with leaders in the community and industry to construct the energy-

efficient home you’ve always wanted. Bailey Homes is Elko County’s leader in energy

efficient construction and provides standard many energy-efficient features, including an

insulated crawlspace, energy-efficient appliances and window upgrades. For more

information about energy-efficient construction, visit www.NewHomesElko.com.

Final Thoughts

By incorporating some of these ideas into your home, you will be able to reduce energy

consumption and make your home energy-efficient. As you begin to search for a new

home, work with an expert in energy-efficient construction in order to get the materials

and appliances you need so that you can go green, lower utility costs and help the

environment all at once.

Company Bio

Bailey Homes is Elko County, Nevada’s premier new homebuilder. Bailey Homes

(www.NewHomesElko.com) offers the largest inventory of Elko homes for sale and is a

third generation Northern Nevada homebuilder with over 40 years of expertise in the

area. If you’re looking for a new home that is beautiful, functional and energy-efficient,

and, most importantly, a great value, then please consider Bailey your home building

partner.

Summary

Making your home energy-efficient means upgrading appliances, changing the lighting in

your home and improving insulation. Solar power helps heat and cool your home year

round. Work with experts to build an energy-efficient home from the ground up.

Sources

1. Earth 911, Info Dingo (2014-04-08), “Light Bulb Statistics”, StatisticBrain.com 2. Davis, Mark et al (2014-04-08), “How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient,”

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