Whether you’re moving into a new home or have been in the same house for the last 30 years, you have lots of options for making your home energy efficient that will also save you money in the long run. But which ones should you choose?

Sealing Your Home

One of the worst culprits for energy loss is cracks and gaps around your home that let air escape outside. To fix this, start by weather-stripping and sealing doors and windows. Next, fill any holes in your attic floor (as most heat and energy is lost through your roof), as well as pipes, chimneys, electrical outlets, and light fixtures. This sounds like a lot of work, but the pay-off in the long run is totally worth it.

Insulation

After sealing all of the cracks in your home, it’s important to ensure that your home has proper insulation. Even if you choose to insulate one part of your home, choose the attic, as this will save you a lot of lost energy and money. This is especially important in colder climates like Southern Ontario.

Replace your furnace, HVAC and air conditioner

The older your furnace, HVAC or air conditioner, the less energy efficient it is. While replacing it is a big investment, it will actually save you money in the long-term because you will spend less on your utility bills. If your unit is more than 20 years old, you should definitely consider replacing it. These units are very inefficient, and have to work harder to keep you warm or cool than today’s units.

Low-flow water fixtures

We use our taps in our kitchens and bathrooms every day, multiple times a day. So it’s no wonder switching to low-flow fixtures could save you hundreds of dollars per year and cut your energy consumption by up to 50%. It’s also a relatively inexpensive fix.

Switch your lightbulbs

The next time one of your lightbulbs burns out, consider switching to fluorescent bulbs in your home. They are more expensive upfront than traditional lightbulbs, but they will save you money in the long-run. Not only do they use less energy, saving you money on your utility bills, but they also last longer than traditional lightbulbs.

Looking for more money-saving tips? Find out how you can keep your home cooler and energy-efficient this summer!