Energy efficiency is a top priority for a majority of people. If you’re interested in achieving the most efficiency, there are ways to do so. Have a look below at five ways you can improve your home’s efficiency this winter and enjoy running an efficient household.

Fix Water Leaks

You may be surprised to learn that leaking toilets, faucets, water heaters, and other plumbing systems could be making you lose over 3,000 gallons of water each year. This is a lot of water and an expense that you can avoid by making sure there are no leaks in and around your home. If you find any, make it a priority to have them fixed as soon as possible so that you can stop losing valuable water. Once you’ve done this, you will start to enjoy paying lower water bills.

Get Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Energy-efficient LED bulbs are a must-have for any household because if there are many people indoors at any given time, the bulbs will need to be on for a long time. This will also be true for darker and colder seasons, so make it a point to change all your light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. It may seem like a small change, but it will make a noticeable difference once employed, so don’t ignore this. LED bulbs are also friendlier for the environment and release less heat while on, also lasting for a much longer time than regular ones.

Keep Your HVAC in Good Shape

Make sure to have an expert look at your HVAC system and keep it well-maintained to ensure that it’s running as it should. This is important because the typical air duct system, whether commercial or residential, can lose between 25% and 40% of cooling and heating energy. This works out to a lot of energy over time, so make sure that your system is running optimally for maximum savings. Change the air filters as often as is recommended by the manufacturer of your specific system and you will help keep it running well without the need for fixes.

Get Energy-Efficient Appliances

Another fix you can make is ensuring that your appliances are all up-to-date and they have good energy ratings. This will help you save while using less energy and you will also help keep the environment green. The energy you save will result in lower bills and the joy of efficient technology, so make sure to check your washer and dryer, refrigerator, and even electrical outlets for any issues. If they’re old or need any updates, dispose of them and get new ones right away as they will pay for themselves in no time at all in terms of saving you energy.

Upgrade Your Roof

Finally, if your home’s roof is nearing the end of its lifetime, you should seriously consider replacing it. Many older houses don’t have the most efficient roofing, and even if the roof was good quality, there’s a good chance that it has suffered damage and is worn enough to warrant an upgrade. There have also been many changes that you can benefit from when you have an expert install a new roof for your home, chief of which is better insulation. If your home is in a hot area, you can get a cool metal roof which will typically have a minimum recycled content of 25% and be 100% recyclable. Do your research and speak to experts to ensure that you make the best decision and investment in the end.

With these five tips on saving energy, you’re ready to start loving a more energy-efficient lifestyle that will see you set a great example for your family.