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6 Ways to Increase Your Albuquerque Home's Energy Efficiency

6 Ways to Increase Your Albuquerque Home's Energy Efficiency

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, any homeowner can feel overwhelmed with choice paralysis in order to make the right decision.

Koala Insulation of Albuquerque and Santa Fe is dedicated to bringing our community quality service while also educating the general public on environmentally-friendly practices. In doing so, we also want to provide simple solutions that aren’t loaded with industry jargon and complicated renovation needs. Our team of industry experts has put together six ways to increase your energy efficiency, starting with simple changes and working up to larger projects.

Starting with Simple Changes

1. Change Water Habits

When we consider environmental impact, we can sometimes forget that seemingly minor modifications can have a significant impact. You may already be familiar with some common facts: 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

2. Schedule an Energy Audit

Energy audits are evaluations to determine your home’s current energy use. This creates an analysis of the energy flow and determines where energy is being wasted, covering everything from the floors to your roof. The point of an energy audit isn’t just to locate pain points, but also to offer solutions in targeted areas. With this analysis, you’ll have a better idea of places that can potentially conserve energy and improve efficiency.

3. Replace Incandescent Bulbs

There's a very good reason incandescent light bulbs are considered "old fashioned" and have been phased out of recommended use: they have short lifespans, produce heat when turned on, and are extremely inefficient in both costs and energy use. If you find incandescent bulbs throughout your home, consider switching to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED light bulbs. These last longer, use significantly less energy to help reduce costs, and, in many cases, they provide more light than incandescent bulbs.

Making Bigger Moves

4. Insulation & Air Sealing

While replacing your insulation and air sealing will cost more than simply changing light bulbs and water habits, the change has a higher return on investment, can increase the value of your home, and improve the house’s comfort and safety in addition to reducing costs. 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.

5. Renewable Resources

A recent report stated New Mexico has “the lowest cost of renewable electricity in the U.S.” with several efforts in place to continue reducing energy waste and costs. The state’s climate was also reportedly one of the top three in the U.S. with the best energy resources. Installing solar panels on your home allows your household to generate electricity, heat your home’s water, and conserve energy. Many areas also offer energy paybacks and solar loans to help you finance the purchase and see a quality return on investment.

6. 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 alternatives in mind when you're making upgrades throughout the years.

Find Energy-Efficient Pros in Albuquerque and Santa Fe

When it comes to making home improvements, many homeowners are turning their focus to energy-efficient upgrades. In many cases, however, even a few small adjustments can improve your environmental impact while also increasing savings. More in-depth changes like updated insulation and certified Energy Star appliances will have an even higher impact on your energy costs. As you navigate new purchases, budget modifications, and home renovations, keeping energy efficiency at the forefront of your decision-making process can positively influence your environment and community.

Koala Insulation was recently selected as an Energy Star Partner, showcasing our dedication to bringing energy efficiency, savings, health, and comfort to our communities. Your local team at Koala Insulation of Albuquerque and Santa Fe is focused on providing environmentally-friendly, cost-effective materials to improve your environment. We offer free evaluations to determine the current condition of your home's insulation. This gives you and your household an opportunity to target pain points, schedule removal of deteriorated and damaged material, and learn more about the impact insulation and air sealing have on the house. Contact our team of industry experts to learn more about improving your home’s energy efficiency and schedule a free evaluation.