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The new year is a great time to give your home an energy-efficient upgrade. Not only will electrical improvements make your home more functional, but they’ll also help you save some cash and reduce your impact on the environment. Whether you’re looking to lower your utility bills or make your home more eco-friendly, a few simple changes can make a big difference.
The possibilities are endless, and you can choose from upgrading lighting to investing in smart thermostats. At Black-Haak in Fox Valley, WI, we’re passionate about helping homeowners make smart electrical choices that benefit their wallets and the environment. Let’s look at some of the best home electrical upgrades for energy savings this year.
Upgrade Your Lighting With LEDs
Lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make to improve energy efficiency in your home. Traditional incandescent bulbs use much more power than modern options like LED lights. Switching out your old lightbulbs for LEDs can cut down on your electricity use since they use up to 80% less energy than regular bulbs. Additionally, LED lights last much longer. Some can last over 25,000 hours, which means fewer replacements and less waste.
When upgrading your lighting, start with the most used areas in your home, such as living rooms, kitchens, and hallways. But don’t stop there — consider replacing outdoor lights as well. LEDs come in all styles and brightness levels, so you can set the perfect mood without stressing about your electricity bill. Plus, they give off less heat, which helps keep your home cooler in the warmer months and takes some pressure off your air conditioning.
If you want to take it a step further, think about adding motion-sensing lights or smart lighting systems that you can control with your phone. These systems let you set when lights turn on and off, so you don’t have to worry about leaving them on by accident, giving you more control over your energy use.
Smart Thermostats for Better Control
One of the best ways to save on energy costs year-round is by upgrading your thermostat. A smart thermostat makes controlling your home’s temperature a breeze. Unlike the old models, these smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, so you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling your home when you’re not around. For example, the thermostat can lower the temperature when you’re at work and automatically warm up your home just before you return.
These devices are also more accurate than older models, helping to prevent energy waste caused by inconsistent temperature regulation. Many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through smartphone apps that make it easy to adjust the temperature from anywhere. This can be especially handy when you forget to change the thermostat before leaving home or when you want to ensure your home is the perfect temperature when you walk through the door.
Getting a smart thermostat can help lower your utility bills by making it easier to stick to an energy-efficient temperature schedule. Some models can even provide energy reports, helping you track your usage and adjust your habits to save even more. Smart thermostats often work perfectly with other smart home devices, like lighting or security systems, giving you even more control and efficiency.
Insulation: Keep the Heat Where It Belongs
While insulation is often associated with keeping your home warm in the winter, it’s just as important when you want to keep your home cool in the warmer months. Proper insulation helps regulate the temperature in your home, preventing drafts from letting in cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer.
Check your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to ensure your insulation is up to par. If you have an older home, it might be a good idea to upgrade or add insulation, especially in drafty spots. Spray foam, cellulose, and fiberglass are all great choices for boosting your home’s insulation. Also, don’t forget about the gaps around windows, doors, and other openings — weatherstripping these areas can help keep your home’s temperature steady.
While you may think insulation upgrades are a significant investment, the payoff can be substantial. By improving your home’s insulation, you reduce the strain on your HVAC system, saving you money on energy bills. Plus, a well-insulated home maintains a more consistent temperature, keeping you comfortable year-round and reducing the need for constant adjustments to your thermostat.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrade to Save
Outdated appliances can be significant energy hogs, consuming much more power than their modern, energy-efficient counterparts. If your refrigerator, washer, dryer, or oven is on the older side, consider an upgrade. Modern appliances are designed with energy efficiency in mind and often come with Energy Star ratings, which indicate that they meet or exceed strict energy consumption standards.
When it’s time to replace your appliances, make sure to choose ones that strike the right balance between performance and efficiency. For instance, energy-efficient refrigerators use less power with advanced cooling tech, and newer washers and dryers often feature eco-friendly settings that cut down on water and energy use. Picking appliances that align with your lifestyle and energy goals can help lower your household’s overall energy consumption.
While buying new appliances requires an upfront investment, the savings over time can be substantial. Energy-efficient models are built to save you money on your utility bills, and they tend to last longer, too. This means fewer replacements and less waste, which is great for both your wallet and the environment in the long run.
Switch to Solar: Harness the Power of the Sun
If you’re looking to reduce your energy costs significantly, switching to solar power is an increasingly popular and effective option. Solar panels offer a renewable energy source for your home, cutting down on your reliance on the grid and lowering your monthly utility bills. While the upfront cost of installation can be high, the long-term savings make it a smart investment.
How much energy you can generate depends on where you live and the size of your solar panel system. Still, even small systems can reduce energy consumption by a noticeable amount. Solar panels are low-maintenance and can last for 25 years or more, making them a long-term investment that continues to pay off. In many places, you can also benefit from tax incentives, rebates, and financing options that help offset the initial cost of installation.
Along with solar panels, you can explore other solar-powered systems, such as solar water heaters or solar-powered outdoor lighting, to reduce energy bills. By embracing solar energy, you’re investing in a more efficient home and a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Electrical Panel Upgrades: Modernize
An outdated panel can limit your electrical system’s capacity, leading to frequent circuit trips or potential fire hazards. If your panel is over 20 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. A new, modern electrical panel can better handle the energy demands of today’s homes, especially if you’ve added appliances, electronics, or other power-hungry devices.
Upgrading your electrical panel also improves safety. Older panels may need to be equipped with the proper safety features or may be worn out from years of use. If you are installing major appliances or extending your house, a new panel can manage the extra load. Upgrading your electrical panel is essential for keeping your home’s electricity running safely and efficiently, though it can be a bit pricey. By modernizing it, you’ll prevent circuit overloads, save money on future repairs, and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
New Year for Your Home’s Energy Needs
The new year is a great time to boost your home’s energy efficiency with easy yet effective electrical upgrades. These changes can help lower your energy bills while making your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly.
Whether you’re replacing old lighting or installing a smart thermostat, each step you take can add up to significant long-term savings. At Black-Haak, we offer a full range of electrical services and can help with all your system upgrades. We’re also your local heating, cooling, and plumbing experts. Contact us today to schedule an energy audit or discuss the best solutions for your home.
