The 3 Secrets Of An Energy Efficient Home

It is easier than you think to live in comfort whilst still keeping your home energy efficient. Some of the ideas are easier than you could imagine. All three are inexpensive to do compared to what you gain in return. So what are the three secrets of an energy efficient home?

Lighting

Are you still using the old fashioned incandescent light bulb? It isn't the 20th century anymore and the rest of the world has moved on. Get with the times and switch to using energy efficient light bulbs.

Energy efficient light bulbs use 75% less energy than standard light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. A little birdie also told me that dimmable versions are also now available at many major retailers.

Loft Insulation

A good layer of insulation in the ceiling space prevents the loss of heat through your roof. Heat loss occurs through your roof because warm air rises naturally. Insulating your ceiling cavity can reduce your heating costs by up to 15%.

It doesn't cost the earth to have loft insulation installed. The money you save in heating costs will pay for the insulation many times over in the long-run and reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint.

Heating & Cooling

There are many options for heating your home on a budget, and economically. While it may make sense to buy a $30 or $40 electric oil heater for the winter now, it won't once the electricity bill lands in the letterbox.

The most energy efficient method of heating on the market today is the heat pump air conditioner. They work in the exact same way as a fridge in that it transfers heat from one place to another using refrigerants. To heat your home, the heat energy in the air outside is first extracted, and then transferred indoors.

A heat pump can deliver up to 4kW of heating for each kW of electricity used. It does this simply by the way in which it works. By using electricity to transfer heat energy from one location to another, it can achieve extremely high levels of heat output for very little running cost.

You can also use a heat pump as an air conditioner during the hot summer months on the days when you just cannot stand the heat whatsoever.

Simple and Cost Effective

These three methods above are cost effective and help save you money in the long term. Stop wasting your hard earned money on your power bills and get yourself some treats instead.

About the author

James Walton is an air conditioning and refrigeration engineer based in Auckland, New Zealand. He specialises in the installation and repair of all makes and models of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.