Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Now, more than ever, your home needs to be as energy-efficient as possible. With rising costs and growing environmental concerns, finding ways to save energy is crucial.
The right upgrades can help you cut utility bills, care for the planet, and boost your property value.
More importantly, they can enhance the comfort and convenience of your home. Read on below as this blog delves into the top 10 energy efficiency upgrades for 2024.
We'll illustrate how each upgrade will improve your home, positively affect our planet, AND save you money.
Better insulation in your home will keep temperatures consistent throughout and reduce energy consumption.
Modern insulation materials, like spray foam or rigid foam boards, can reduce thermal resistance, keeping heat indoors during winter and cold air inside during summer.
This means fewer heating and cooling bills.
Properly insulating your home can also extend the life of your HVAC system (whichever type you choose to use), ensure that repairs are rarely needed, and reduce wear and tear on these systems.
Energy-efficient windows and doors are designed to reduce heat loss, thereby increasing comfort.
Features to look out for include Low-E coatings and triple glazing, which reduce drafts and the thermal transmittance properties of your window.
Such improvements also help to keep the interior temperature within your property at a reasonable level, requiring much less energy for heating and cooling.
Other benefits include increased overall efficiency for your energy in the home, better security, and soundproofing.
Smart thermostats help by learning your home temperatures and adjusting them automatically.
Many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app for more precise heating and cooling.
With features like learning algorithms and an energy consumption report, smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy bills over time.
This enables you to save money in the long run while also living comfortably.
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, lessening your dependence on conventional power from the main grid.
This can significantly reduce energy costs and be used as consistent renewable power.
Solar technology has improved, so many solar installation incentives have made it more affordable.
Solar energy additionally lessens carbon footprints, resulting in a cleaner environment.
An efficient HVAC system will help reduce energy use and make your home more comfortable.
Older versions run under 13 SEER and do not have variable-speed motors, but newer systems with efficient high SEER ratings are much better.
Manufacturers that care about efficiency design their output according to your needs, saving energy. These systems must also be maintained regularly and installed properly to work well and have longer lifespans.
The most important change that can be made to decrease energy usage is switching over to LED lighting.
LEDs consume 80% less power than traditional bulbs and have a longer life span. They also run coolers, which reduces cooling costs.
You can even save additional energy in the rest of your home by using LEDs combined with dimmers and occupancy or motion sensors.
Energy Star-qualified appliances are built to use less energy than their traditional counterparts.
It pays to go green regarding your next refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine investment.
Most of these appliances' features are advanced ones, saving electricity and water and contributing to your overall yearly savings.
Technologies such as low-flow plumbing fixtures and tankless water heaters that reduce water (and energy) consumption are equally important.
Water-efficient faucets and showerheads deliver better performance without using as much water.
Tankless hot water heaters ensure you get hot water right when needed and prevent the wasted energy required to have a large reservoir of heated water.
They help reduce utility bills and encourage water conservation.
Green roofs and living walls use vegetation to insulate your home naturally and reduce heat gain.
It may surprise you, but these actually do good in regulating indoor temperatures, so the need for extra heating and cooling will be reduced.
They also improve air quality and lessen the volume of stormwater runoff.
While they need to be maintained, these systems' energy savings and overall environmental stewardship make them a good long-term investment.
Heating your home, especially in a cold climate like Edinburgh, can be difficult without the right heating system.
Unlike traditional radiators, underfloor heating offers warmth to every corner of your room, ensuring maximum comfort.
You can choose between two main types of underfloor heating systems: electric and hydronic. While both are good, hydronic is the most energy-efficient option.
Always ensure you use a trained and professional company for the best results.
In conclusion, these 10 best energy-efficient property upgrades for 2024 will improve energy efficiency considerably and provide long-term benefits.
These improvements reduce utility bills, make your home more comfortable, and improve its market value. They are a secure and confident investment in your home's future.
Select the upgrades suitable for your property and budget.
Staying current with the newest technologies and best practices will pay off by maximizing the return on your energy efficiency investment.
Always ensure you work with a trained professional when implementing these technologies to ensure you get the most out of the benefits.
