Saving energy is something that many homeowners strive for. Not only will doing so help save money on utilities, but it also keeps your HVAC in good condition. Whenever someone thinks about saving energy, they usually think of rooms they’re most likely to be in. This includes the living room, kitchen and bathroom. What some don’t realize, however, is that their basement also uses energy. Here are a few tips for making your basement more energy efficient.

Lighting

Despite the effort of trying to save energy, some people are still given an absurd energy bill. As a result, they’re left wondering as to why this is. It might actually be because your basement uses more power than any other area in the home, especially when it comes to lighting. Basements are notorious for their lack of natural light, so people are forced to resort to using artificial lighting.

There are a few reasons as to why your basement is taking so much power. It could be the result of leaving the lights on for long periods of time. Or, perhaps it’s the type of light bulb being used. Either way, it’s important to be attentive. Switch out your light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones and always remember to turn off the lights when you’re not using them.

Improving the Airflow

Another reason for an increase in your utility bills could be due to the lack of airflow in the basement. Some basements don’t have windows to open or fans to use, so it’s more than likely your HVAC will be pushed to its limits. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take the necessary steps to improve the airflow.

Installing an in-line duct fan into your air ducts boosts your basement’s airflow by working with your thermostat to turn off the fans when your basement gets to a certain temperature, helping your home stay warm and be more energy efficient.

Cover Up Any Holes and Openings

If you live in an area where your HVAC is constantly needed, be sure to check the area for any holes or cracks. Having cracks or holes in the wall gives the air a way to escape, making your HVAC next to worthless. If you spot any openings, make sure to seal them immediately.

A good place to look for openings that might be letting in air is the windows. Sometimes there is caulking that has worn away or the frames are inefficient at keeping the air out. You can fix this by re-caulking around the window frames or replacing your window frames to ones that keep out the draft better.

Your basement plays a pivotal role when it comes to saving energy. It’s a place that often has things that are overlooked that can affect how energy-efficient it is. Follow these tips to make your basement energy-efficient and save more on your bills.

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