How Can I Improve My Energy Efficiency in South Kansas City?

How Can I Improve My Energy Efficiency in South Kansas City?

Learning more about energy-efficient practices can help you and your household make informed decisions on upcoming purchases and upgrades. This can not only impact the comfort and safety of your environment but also lead to decreased energy usage and monthly costs. If you're looking for ways to save on your energy bills and regular maintenance fees, it's time to talk to a local expert.

Minor Adjustments

1. Reducing Water Usage

It can be easy to forget that seemingly minor changes have a significant influence on the environmental impact of your home. Here are a few key facts you may already be familiar with: baths use about four times more water than a shower, avoid running half-loads in the washing machine or dishwasher, and turn the water off while brushing your teeth. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has more ways you can make simple adjustments in your water habits to help your household reduce waste and even lower your energy bills. While reducing your water usage may seem like a small change at first, those pennies on the dollar can add up significantly by the end of the month!

1. Scheduling an Energy Audit

When you schedule an energy audit with an industry professional, you'll have a detailed evaluation that determines how much energy your household currently uses. The investigation develops an analysis of the energy flow in your home and pinpoints where energy is being wasted around the house. This can cover everything from the floors to your roof! An energy audit not only targets pain points but can also offer solutions for specific trouble areas. With this analysis, you and your household will have a better idea of places that can potentially conserve energy and improve efficiency.

1. Replacing Your Lights

There are a number of good reasons why incandescent light bulbs are considered outdated and “old fashioned”. They’re even being phased out of recommended use because they have short lifespans, produce a significant amount of heat, and are extremely inefficient in terms of energy usage. As you find older incandescent bulbs throughout the house, it’s crucial to take the time to consider removing them. Instead, you can switch them out with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED light bulbs. These products not only last longer and provide more light but they also use significantly less energy to help reduce costs.

Larger Updates

1. Insulation & Air Sealing

Updating your old or deteriorated insulation and air sealing with new material is certainly a more costly project than changing some of your lightbulbs and turning off the water more often. However, retrofitting outdated material has a higher return on investment, can increase the value of your home, and improve the comfort and safety of your environment. This is all in addition to reducing energy waste, utility costs, and savings over time for your household. A recent study by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) found that about 90% of U.S. homes are under-insulated, accounting for high energy costs, irregular temperatures, and discomfort. Insulation reduces heat transfer, the rate at which heat moves through a structure; coupled with air sealing, which significantly reduces air leaks, your house has better climate control and reduced energy costs to heat and cool the home.

1. Renewable Resources

Solar panels have become a significant way to not only improve your home's energy efficiency in Missouri but also increase your energy payback. The state has been pushing for local solar energy initiatives by not only working with local companies but also providing rebates and payback incentives for homeowners and businesses that are looking to improve their communities with renewable energy. To learn more about how you can receive a great return on investment for installing solar panels and using renewable energy in your home, check out this article for more information.

1. Switch to Energy Star

Energy Star products are appliances that meet the energy efficiency standards and specifications that are set by the EPA. These use up to 15% less energy than standard appliances, reduce greenhouse emissions, and are even eligible for residential tax credits. From refrigerators and air conditioners to dishwashers and dryers, Energy Star products are designed to improve your energy usage and savings without heavily affecting your budget. While you don't need to immediately ditch your current appliances, it's important to keep them in mind when you're making upgrades throughout the years.

Find More Energy Efficient Opportunities in South Kansas City

Improving your home's energy efficiency has the potential to benefit not only you but your community as well. From making simple habit adjustments to planning home improvement projects, you can lower energy costs and the impact you have on the environment. However, there are so many suggestions out there, that any homeowner can feel overwhelmed with choice paralysis in order to make the right decision.

At Koala Insulation of South Kansas City, our team of insulation professionals is dedicated to improving the environment of our community. We offer free evaluations so our neighbors have detailed explanations that break down the current condition of their insulation and air sealing. This can help households prioritize the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions while also taking into account their schedule and budget. It's important for you to have the best understanding of your home's needs and problems in order to make informed decisions that won't consume your time or inflate costs. To learn more about how insulation and air sealing can improve your environment, contact Koala Insulation of South Kansas City today and schedule your free evaluation.