Making sure your home is energy efficient isn’t just for those who want to save the environment or be more “green”. Through trial and error I have noticed that being more energy efficient can also make your wallet a lot fuller at the end of the month. It could be a huge alteration like installing solar panels or just a slight change in your routine by switching lights off when you leave a room. Cutting back on your carbon footprint and using less energy will save you money.  Steps to making energy-efficient changes is a one-time investment. There are others things you can do throughout your day to save you energy (money). Understand though that you don’t have to follow all these steps in making your home more energy-efficient, but by implementing just two or three of these changes you will be saving energy, money, and the environment too.

1. Insulation

Insulating your home should be at the top of your “home to do” list. It’s all about making sure that you keep outside air out and inside air in. (Think of it as putting long johns on your home.)

If you just add new or additional insulation to your roof, ceilings, and walls along with using caulking/weather stripping to insure doors and windows are properly sealed will help to keep those irritating cold drafts away and air leaks that let warmth escape during these freezing Hillcrest winters. The best thing about insulation is that when the weather heats up, these same improvements will aid in trapping cool air inside your home during the sweltering summer.

2. Replace old appliances

Older appliances are less energy-efficient than newer models.

I would highly recommend replacing some of those ancient relics in your home with energy star certified appliances. This will go a long way towards saving energy and lowering your electric bills.

When it comes to replacing your kitchen appliances do some research on the various models and features. When shopping for your new kitchen appliances, look for models that are labelled as “Energy Star Certified” to make sure you’re getting an energy and money saving appliance.

3. Switch over

Make the move from outdated incandescent to fluorescent.

I know, you are probably going to say that compact fluorescent bulbs cost more; this is true but only initially. The end result is a considerably worth it! Savings, savings, savings!

An interesting fact that I didn’t realise is that fluorescent bulbs last 8-12 times longer than incandescent bulbs. So even if you mix it up a bit by using fluorescent and incandescent lighting throughout your home this can have a massive impact in overall energy usage.

4. Add solar panels

Adding solar panels to your house can help you cut down on energy costs by helping you produce your own electricity. 

It is a costly investment, but there are plenty of small gadgets one get get to power laptops, computers, phones and others. Start out small and as you’re able to save more, you’ll be able to afford to power your entire house with solar power roof tiles.

5. Plant a tree

Plant a deciduous shade tree.

In your garden, on the side of your house that gets the most intense sun during the summer months plant an indigenous tree that is known for losing its leaves during winter. During the summer, the tree and its leaves will provide shade throughout the hottest time of the day and naturally help to keep your home cool. In the course of winter the tree will lose its leaves allowing warm sunshine into your home during the most optimal time of day.

6. Rainwater collection system

Buy or build a rainwater collection system.

This are a must! We cannot rely on South African surface water as droughts are now a reality for us. Rainwater collection systems allow you to trap rainwater that would otherwise become runoff water. That trapped water can then be used as irrigation water for your lawn or plants or it can be filtered into drinking water for you, pets or livestock (if you have). The water can be used to fill swimming pools and baths or anything for that matter.

Recently, our brokerage had two massive rainwater systems installed, and it working great.