WEST HOUSTON Blog

5 Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency for The New Year In Texas

There are a few basic resolutions homeowners have when looking to improve their space in the upcoming year. Luckily, creating a comfortable environment, reducing health hazards, and increasing monthly savings are all easily attainable goals to set. The most basic renovations can actually help you easily achieve all three! Here are a few home improvements you can tackle to kick start a goal-crushing 2024.

Begin With Minor Adjustments

1. Reduce Water Usage

Many people take for granted the fact that even the slightest changes can have a major impact on your environment. Simple adjustments help to improve your space by reducing the strain on your home’s systems, saving you money and improving your comfort. 

Instead of putting these changes aside for big-ticket updates, start practicing these habits early on to save more money and increase your energy efficiency throughout the year. At the top of your list should be cutting back on your water usage. This is one of the most effective but easiest changes to make. There are a few common tips you're probably already aware of: 

• A shower uses on average 4 times less water than a bath.
• Run full loads for the dishwasher or washing machine.
• Turn the sink off when brushing your teeth (or brush your teeth in the shower!)

Making these changes contributes to monthly savings that add up throughout the year when you stay on top of them. If you’re looking for more ways to change your water habits, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has even more ways to help your household reduce waste and lower your energy bills. It’s important to remember the first month won’t show the biggest change, so be patient when looking for the benefits to come through!

1. Schedule Energy Audits

To better understand how much energy is being used by your household, schedule an energy audit with a local professional. An energy audit is a thorough evaluation to present an analysis of your home’s energy flow; this pinpoints where you and your household are wasting energy the most often. An experienced industry expert should cover everything from the floors of the home to the roof during this investigation. 

The goal of an effective energy audit is to target specific problems and develop a plan to prioritize issues. These evaluations may also provide solutions that can cut down on wasted energy that is caused by a wide range of leaks and errors. The analysis can be used to improve efficiency throughout your house so you and your household have a better idea of areas that can potentially conserve energy in the future. 

1. Switch Light Bulbs

When was the last time you checked the lightbulbs in your house? In many areas of Texas, it’s still possible to find incandescent light bulbs throughout a building, especially if you’re renting the space or have just purchased the property. These “old fashioned” appliances are no longer recommended because of their short lifespans, high heat production, and energy waste. 

To improve your energy intake, take the time to look for older incandescent bulbs in your home. Replace them with energy-efficient alternatives such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED light bulbs. These appliances have a longer lifespan, provide more light, and use significantly less energy to reduce your annual costs. For many homes, switching out lightbulbs can save up to 75% more energy in these spaces!

Plan For Bigger Changes

1. Update Insulation & Air Sealing

For some newer homeowners, making bigger adjustments may seem more costly than the savings are worth at first. Updating insulation and air sealing unfortunately often falls into this misunderstood category. If the material hasn’t been evaluated or treated for damages in years, this very well could be a costly project. However, even though replacing old and deteriorated material is a bigger project than simply switching out light bulbs, it also yields a greater return on investment opportunity. 

Newer insulation improves the value of your home while also reducing energy waste, utility costs, and expenses over time. Regularly evaluate and upgrade the materials in the home to also significantly improve comfort and safety in your environment. 

About 90% of homes in the U.S. are poorly insulated, leading to irregular temperatures, discomfort, and even higher humidity. Insulation needs to be regularly updated to properly reduce heat transfer, the rate at which heat moves through your building. The material is paired with quality air sealing which reduces air leaks, drafts, and the entrance of outdoor pollutants. These help the climate control capabilities of your home, reducing the energy needed to heat and cool your space. 

1. Install ENERGY STAR Appliances

As an ENERGY STAR partner, Koala Insulation of West Houston works with these industry experts to provide our community with alternatives to traditional appliances that exponentially raise energy usage the older they get. The systems designed by ENERGY STAR are made to meet energy efficiency standards and specifications put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Their products use up to 15% less energy than most standard appliances in an effort to reduce greenhouse emissions. In fact, for many states, buying an energy-efficiency product from a provider like ENERGY STAR can offer an opportunity to earn residential tax credits.

Energy Star has devices that improve your energy usage and savings while still remaining cost-effective. Although you and your household don't necessarily need to ditch your current appliances within the next month or two, it helps to consider the options when you make upgrades throughout the years. You can learn more about Energy Star products and the EPA's standards for energy-efficient buildings through their website here. 

What Are Other Energy Efficiency Changes For The New Year?

If you're looking to improve your lifestyle in 2024, start by taking care of your environment. Improving your comfort doesn't just look good for your savings; a safe and healthy environment even has an impact on both your physical and mental health. Contact Koala Insulation of West Houston to schedule your free evaluation and learn more about how energy efficiency can knock out a number of your New Year’s Resolutions.