Improving the Energy Efficiency in Your Home -5 Simple Steps!

Energy efficiency. It's our favorite topic! Since our inception, Timber Block has been committed to ensuring a super high level of energy efficiency using unique, innovative technology. Part of that commitment includes building homes that have a high R factor (R30 is standard for every home we build), a tight thermal envelope, and green technological tactics and tools that result in energy savings.

So, if you're building a Timber Block home, you have the major part covered. However, there are simple things you can do to make sure your home is operating at the highest level of efficiency as possible.

Here are 6 easy steps you can take to boost the level of energy efficiency in your home:

1. Appliances. It may seem you have to dig deeper into your pocket to purchase new energy efficient appliances, but it's startling how effective this can be! On average, families can save close to $400 a year on utilities with highly efficient appliances. It's certainly worth it in the long run. 

Timber Block denver kitchen

 

However...let's not overuse those appliances. You don't want to defeat the purpose of having these types of appliances. For example, you may want to consider running the dishwasher only when it's packed full, or throwing in a load of laundry only when you have to. Plus, with the washing machine - choosing the right load "size" can also help.

2. Watching the thermostat. This step also will save you some cash. A programmable thermostat is your best bet. If you schedule your thermostat back 10 degrees during your work day, you can save nearly 10 percent on your heating/cooling bills!
 
Timber Block Labrador living room
 
3. Lowering the temperature of your water heater. It's not always necessary to have burning hot water flowing through the taps, and in fact, washing your laundry on cool settings will not only save you money, but will save your clothes as well. This little thing you may not even think of really does add up over time!
 
4. Light Bulbs. You knew this was coming! LED bulbs, (Light Emitting Diode) are extremely energy efficient, as are CFLs (Compact Fluorescent). Halogen bulbs are not as energy efficient and burn faster, with incandescent being your least energy efficient.
Timber Block Panorama interior

5. Shower heads and toilets. Again, you'd be surprised how choosing correctly can add up to savings. If you have a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute), it will help immensely. As for toilets, yes! There are energy efficient toilets! Typically called high-efficiency toilets, these toilets will get rid of the waste by using water velocity instead of water volume.

Timber Block Bathroom

 

Overall, you have a big head start if you choose to build a Timber Block home. Our homes are extremely energy efficient. With the smaller things listed above, you can maximize the efficiency of your home, and save even more money!

The Timber Block Blog is full of tips relating to the home, homebuilding and the process itself. Be sure to follow our blog via www.timberblock.com, or on Facebook and Instagram.

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