4 Easy Ways You Can Energy Proof Your Home in Winston-Salem

Published: October 01, 2022

If you’re getting ready for a move, you might question if it’s worth your time and money to make energy-efficient upgrades to your new place. Don’t worry, there are easy and low-cost ways to reduce energy consumption. Here are some examples:

Ensure the walls and attic are well-insulated

Not only are well-insulated homes more comfortable to live in, but they also use less energy for heating and cooling. Cellulose blown into the frame or loose-fill foam sprayed between roof joists (also known as open-cell spray foam) may be used to fill the empty framed cavity. Insulating your home’s walls is simple: you can either hire someone to blow cellulose into the vacant frame area or have a plumber install it for you.

If you enjoy doing tasks like this, consider adding rigid foam insulation to the outside walls and/or rafters or joists. Use low-VOC or non-toxic insulating materials to decrease chemical exposure and improve your health and the environment.

Add weatherstripping to your doors and windows

Weatherstripping the gaps between your doors and windows not only helps you save money on heating and cooling energy bills in the future but also prevents your equipment from overworking. It is another way of saying that it minimizes wasted energy. Door-and-window-gapping (weatherstripping) may help you avoid these leaks regularly.

You may also want to consider installing Low-E window film or adding storm windows to your home’s windows in order to improve their energy efficiency.

Make use of passive solar design features

In the summer, add overhangs to block out the sun. In the winter, install south-facing windows to let in natural light.

Utilize your windows and skylights for natural light during the day to slash electricity bills for lighting and air conditioning/heating expenses, making your home more comfortable year-round.

Install a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats let you decide when to lower or raise the temperature in your home throughout the day or week. For example, you can set it to a lower temperature when no one is home and then have it automatically adjust to a higher temperature 30 minutes before you come back.

This way, you’re not paying to heat or cool an empty house, and yet your home will be comfortable and energy-efficient when you return.

By adding weatherstripping and insulation, not only will your home look nicer, but it will also function better and save you money in the long run. Passive solar design features and programmable thermostats can also be used if you want to go even further. Improving energy efficiency is easier than ever!

For more tips on moving and storing your belongings, make sure to check out the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Winston-Salem blog!