Are you interested in saving some money on your energy bills? You're in luck! From simple behavioural adjustments to small home improvement projects, there are many steps you can take towards a more energy-efficient home. The Ottawa insulation team at O'Reilly Brothers is always providing clients with energy-saving tips and solutions. Here are some of our tops tips for saving energy in your home.
1) Remember to turn off the lights One of the simplest lifestyle changes you can make is to turn off the lights in your home when you're not using them. Make use of natural sunlight during the day and of task lighting such as table lamps at night. 2) Change out your light bulbs Switching from incandescent light bulbs to either CFL or LED bulbs is another simple but effective way to save energy. These bulbs not only use significantly less energy but they last a lot longer as well. Though more expensive at the outset, CFL or LED bulbs will save you money over the long term. 3) Try to use less hot water It takes a lot of energy to heat water, so try to limit your use of hot water where you can. Wash your clothes in cold water, if possible, and cut down on either the length or the temperature of your showers. 4) Seal your doors and windows Drafty homes lose a lot of their heating or cooling energy through their windows and doors. Seal any cracks or openings around your windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping. This can net you significant savings on the cost of running your furnace and air conditioner. 5) Upgrade the insulation in your home Even with properly sealed windows and doors, you may still end up spending too much on heating and cooling your home. Home insulation in Ottawa is important for retaining heat during the winter and resisting outdoor heat during the summer. Two of the most efficient types of insulation are blown cellulose and spray foam insulation. Both have a very high R-value. Spray foam insulation is applied using a pressurized spray nozzle. The foam expands in place to fill every nook and cranny, creating an effective insulating barrier that is impermeable both to air and to moisture. Blown cellulose insulation in Ottawa is also sprayed into place, though in the form of a loose-fill material. Blown cellulose insulation is also capable of filling the entire area without leaving any excess space for air infiltration. Contact the Insulation Experts in Ottawa O'Reilly Brothers will be happy help you decide whether blown cellulose or spray foam is a better option for your home. We have over 50 years of experience providing our clients with the insulation products and solutions best suited to their needs. For more information on how quality insulation in Ottawa can help you save money on your energy bill, don't hesitate to contact us today.