Whatever the size of the building you live or work in consider these tips on how to make a building more energy efficient. As every homeowner knows energy-efficient construction starts with some key details. Read on to learn our top tips.

4 Ways you can make a building more energy efficient

We all know that climate change is happening. We can see it in the news, feel it in the air, and observe it with our own eyes. The effects of climate change are far-reaching, and one area that is particularly vulnerable is the building sector.

In the United States, buildings account for 39% of total energy use and 68% of electricity consumption. This means that making our buildings more energy-efficient is essential to mitigating the effects of climate change. So how can we make our buildings more energy-efficient? Read on to find out four ways you can make a difference.

Here are some ways to make a building more energy efficient

Heating and cooling

As much as half of the energy used in a typical commercial building goes towards heating and cooling, making it one of the biggest opportunities for energy savings. What 7 things can be done to increase energy efficiency when it comes to heating and cooling:

• Install energy-efficient windows that help keep heat in during winter and out during summer
• Seal any gaps or cracks in the building envelope to reduce drafts and heat loss/gain
• Use insulation throughout the building to minimize heat transfer
• Utilize natural ventilation when possible by opening windows or using fans
• Install solar shades on the south- and west-facing windows to reduce heat gain from the sun
• In larger buildings, use zoned heating and cooling systems that only heat or cool the areas that need it
• Install and automate your building’s systems to exert greater control over facilities to optimize occupant efficiency.
• Consider prefab building panels, the next-gen wall panels for your home. Prefab building panel promotes a greener environment with their many eco-friendly and energy-efficient features.

Windows

One of the best ways to make a building more energy efficient is to upgrade the windows. Old, drafty windows can account for a lot of heat loss in the winter and cool air loss in the summer. Replacing them with energy-efficient windows will help keep the temperature inside more consistent, leading to lower heating and cooling bills.

In addition, energy-efficient windows will also help reduce noise pollution from outside and make the building more comfortable overall. If you live somewhere in Colorado, for example, you could look for window replacement aurora co online and go from there.

Plus, energy-efficient windows can also increase the resale value of your home if you decide to sell in the future. Building an energy-efficient home on a budget will mater more and more in the future. 

Lighting

There are a few things you can do to make your building more energy efficient, but one of the most important is lighting. By using energy-efficient lighting, you can save money and help the environment.

CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are two types of energy-efficient lighting. CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and LEDs use even less. Not only do they use less energy, but they also last much longer. A CFL can last up to 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb, and an LED can last up to 25 times longer.

Another way to save energy with lighting is to use sensors or timers so that lights are only on when they’re needed. For example, you could install motion sensors so that the lights turn off when there’s no one in the room. Or you could use timers to turn off the lights after a certain amount of time has passed.

By making a few simple changes, you can save a lot of energy (and money) with your building’s lighting.

Use energy more efficiently

In general, making a building energy efficient involves reducing the amount of energy that is required to operate the building. Learning how to improve energy efficiency in buildings can make sustainable building a reality:

• Improving the insulation of the building envelope (walls, roof, windows, doors)
• Installing energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Using energy-efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs
• Utilizing on-site renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines

Each of these measures can make a significant impact on a building’s energy consumption. In some cases, such as with improvements to the insulation or HVAC system, the initial investment may be substantial but the long-term savings can be significant.

Other measures, such as using energy-efficient lighting fixtures, may have a relatively low initial cost but will result in smaller ongoing savings.

When choosing which measures to take in order to make a building more energy efficient, it is important to consider both the cost and the potential savings. It may also be helpful to consult with an energy efficiency expert to get specific advice tailored to your building.

Making building energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are a number of simple things you can do that will make a big difference. We hope our tips have helped you figure out how you can make your own building more energy efficient. 

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