Older homes have a lot of rustic charm. If you’ve chosen to buy an older home, you need to realize that certain upgrades will have to be performed. Failing to upgrade things like your HVAC unit or windows can result in energy waste. The more energy your old home wastes, the more money you will ultimately lose.
This is why investing in things like a Meridian furnace replacement or new insulation is so important for owners of older homes. Boosting the energy efficiency of your older home will save you a lot of money over time. Energy-efficient upgrades will also add value to your older home.
Looking for ways to make your older home more energy efficient? If so, check out the great tips below.
1. Think About Investing in New HVAC Equipment
The average American home is around 37 years old. As a home starts to age, various systems will start to show signs of wear. On average, an HVAC system will last around 15 years before it needs to be replaced. Even if an HVAC unit runs after this 15-year mark, it will have a lot of problems. The last thing you want is an HVAC system that is unreliable.
If you feel like an old HVAC unit is causing your energy waste problems, then it is time to make a change. With the addition of a modern HVAC system, you can keep the inside of your older home comfortable without wasting energy. The initial cost of a new HVAC unit will be worth it due to the long-term savings it provides.
2. Switch to LED Lighting
Lights are one of the most used electrical components in homes around the United States. The first thing most people do when walking into a room is to flip the light switch. If you live in an older home, chances are you have incandescent bulbs in place. In the past, these bulbs were very popular. However, as time and technology have evolved, incandescent bulbs have become outdated.
For most modern homeowners, LED lights are what they choose to put inside their residences. This is because LED bulbs are both brighter and more efficient than incandescent bulbs. If you feel like it is time for new lighting solutions, then calling in an experienced electrician to help out is vital. With this professional assistance, you can get new lighting fixtures installed and functional in no time.
3. Improve Your Electrical System
Routinely inspecting your older home is a great way to pinpoint sources of energy waste. Some homeowners forget that outdated electrical components can cause efficiency issues. If an older home has an electrical system that is outdated, chances are it will waste lots of energy. This is why updating things like your electrical panel and wiring is so important.
Choosing better electrical components will be much easier with the help of a knowledgeable electrician. Removing outdated electrical components will not only make your home more efficient but will also reduce the risk of electrical shorts and fires.
4. Replace Old Attic Insulation
One of the best ways to identify energy waste issues in an older home is by giving it a thorough inspection. Inspecting every nook and cranny in your home can be time-consuming. However, the time you invest in performing this inspection will be worth it. As you start the inspection process, take time to crawl into the attic. Many homeowners forget about their attics and the insulation they contain.
The older insulation gets, the harder it will be to avoid energy waste. Old insulation allows a lot of air to escape, which can lead to a drastic increase in your monthly energy bills. If you see that the insulation in your attic is damaged or missing, then you have to do something about it.
With all of the different types of home insulation on the market, selecting the right option can be difficult. Instead of trying to make this important decision alone, you need to seek out the guidance of professionals. Once professionals help you choose replacement insulation, they can get it installed quickly.
5. Have Roof-Mounted Solar Panels Installed
Over the past few years, the popularity of solar panels has exploded. If you want to lower the cost of your monthly energy bill, investing in roof-mounted solar panels is a great idea. Not only will these panels help you power your home with the help of the sun, but they also last a long time. On average, solar panels will last around 25 years when properly maintained.
If you’re serious about making your older home more energy efficient, you need to apply the tips in this article. With a minimal investment and the help of professionals, you can lower your monthly energy bills in no time.