You’ve probably heard “energy efficiency” used quite a bit in recent years, but what exactly does that mean for homeowners? Making a conscious effort to cut back on how much energy your household consumes can save money and protect the environment. Here are five tips for making your home more energy efficient.

Save water.

There are several ways to conserve the amount of water your household uses:

• - Install low flow shower heads and toilets.
• - Do fewer loads of laundry.
• - Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
• - Defrost foods in the refrigerator instead of warm water.
• - Don’t keep water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.
• - Take shorter showers.

Invest in energy efficient appliances (& tune up older ones).

Investing in energy efficient (“EE”) appliances can help you save on utilities and have a smaller carbon footprint. If you aren’t in the market for new appliances, tuning up your current setup can still trim your utility bills.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to have your HVAC system serviced. Your heating and air could be one of the biggest energy-zapping culprits.

Did you know?

If energy efficiency is a top priority, you’ll love working with Carolina Custom Homes. All energy-efficient custom homes built with Carolina Custom Homes feature:

• - 10 year structural warranty
• - 10 year HVAC warranty from Trane
• - 2 to 10 year Home Buyers Warranty
• - ENERGY STAR® Certification

Don’t use energy when you aren’t home.

From leaving lights on to leaving the AC running all day, if you aren’t home, you don’t need it. If you can, schedule your thermostat to turn off for about 8 hours a day and turn on about half an hour before you plan on being home. Scheduling your heating and AC allows you to come home to a comfortable atmosphere without literally paying for it all day.

Insulate your home from top to bottom.

Everything from your flooring to what’s in your attic can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Make sure your attic is insulated, windows are securely latched and sealed, and that all of your doors are appropriately weatherstripped.

Use solar energy when possible.

Investing in solar-powered panels allows you to source clean, renewable energy to power your home. Save on electricity and give yourself a pat on the back for looking out for the environment. Investing in sustainable energy benefits you, your global community, and your wallet!

Whether you’re getting ready to build or buy or updating your current home, there are several steps you can take to be kinder to your wallet and the environment. If you’re considering a big move, take a look at the perks of working with custom home builders and how you can incorporate energy efficiency into every part of the building process with Carolina Custom Homes.

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