Energy Efficient Homes

The drive to producing a greener society is something that all of us have to take on. One of the most important things we can all do as individuals is to ensure we strive to live in energy efficient homes. If you understand the need for reducing your carbon emissions and breaking the stranglehold that traditional energy companies hold over our communities, then read on and learn some exciting opportunities for making a home that is not only energy efficient- but energy independent.

Solar Power

While solar panel technology has been around for decades, it’s only been within the last five to ten years that they have begun to drop to a price point and level of convenience that makes them appealing to the average person. Part of this is due to the market responding to increasing demand, part of this is due to increasingly efficient production methods, and part of it is due to government supports and subsidies.

While their price and availability continue to drop, solar power still represents a sizable initial investment for most people. Still, not only will you earn back their cost over the life of these panels, but you will be making your home as energy efficient as possible.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Most people are living with appliances that are years old, if not decades old. If you have ever rented an apartment before, than you know it’s not uncommon to sign a lease for a home that’s still filled with appliances from the 70’s and 80’s. These older appliances often were highly inefficient when they were brand new, and over the years and decades simply become more and more wasteful. Modern, energy efficient appliances are of paramount importance in  making the transition to energy efficient homes.

While it can be very expensive to replace all of your appliances out of pocket, many cities and states are offering rebates and subsidies to those who take the energy efficient plunge. Not only that, but some cities and states feature non-profit organizations that will replace your highly inefficient appliances for free or at drastically lowered prices.

Alternative Heating Methods

If you live in a cold climate, than you are aware of what a huge energy drain heating your home can be. This is especially problematic in many lower-income neighborhoods that are filled with people living in old drafty houses. In many of these neighborhoods, residents need to make a month-by-month decision about whether they will be able to pay both their mortgage and heir heating bill.

Weatherization is a great first step for making your home more energy efficient during the colder months. For those who don’t know, weatherization entails making sure there are no drafts or gaps in your home, sealing windows and doors, and ensuring each home is properly insulated.

In addition to weatherization, there are plenty of fascinating and exciting new heating methods being developed that provide free heat for your home. One of the most exciting of these methods is called Geothermal Heating, which keeps your home warm using heat from a few feet beneath the ground.