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If you live in a big home, you know it’s costly to light, heat, and keep it cool. The hottest and coldest days can be challenges, and when the utility bills come you might find yourself with your jaw on the floor.

To help keep your utility costs down, you can improve your energy efficiency and make a variety of home improvements that will save you money in the long run. Whether your house is older or relatively new, there are things you can do to make it more efficient. Here are some key energy efficiency tips to make your home more eco friendly.

Insulate your home

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Doors and windows should be checked to see if there are any cracks in the seal or frame, particularly if they are located on a side of the home that is exposed to wind or weather. You can upgrade to energy-efficient windows or simply find some eco-friendly caulk to seal up the cracks and keep cool/warm air from escaping. This is especially important in the winter, when heating bills can skyrocket as temperatures plummet.

Also, check out pipes, your hot water heater, and attics or crawlspaces to make sure they are well insulated. You can find insulation made from recycled materials that will keep your home nice and toasty and won’t break the bank.

Install a smart thermostat

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With all the technology available at our fingertips, why not let it make our homes more efficient? Smart thermostats learn your habits and needs and can be set on a timer so the heating and air aren’t running constantly.

Change out your light bulbs

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Using energy-efficient light bulbs can save you tons of money each year on utility bills, and the bonus is that you don’t have to change them as often as regular bulbs. Start by changing out only the bulbs in the rooms you and your family use the most.

Install a high energy efficiency water heater

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As a water heater ages, it can lose efficiency. Installing a new, high-efficiency heater can ensure that you aren’t wasting water as you wait for it to heat up.

Consider low-flow appliances

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Low-flow toilets and shower heads can help significantly reduce the amount of water you use every time you’re in the bathroom, saving you money and keeping your family from being wasteful.

Use natural lighting

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When possible, open up those curtains and let the sun light and heat each room in the wintertime during the afternoon. You can also install solar panels to heat various parts of your home and to provide energy.

Making your home eco-friendly while saving money isn’t hard if you know where to look, but it is essential that you take steps to stay safe while you’re working on these home projects. Be sure to wear gloves, protective goggles, and other necessary gear before you start hammering that first nail. When it comes time to choose where to start, take stock of your home and your family’s needs and map out a plan; that way, when winter rolls around you’ll be ahead of the game.

Here’s an easy online home improvement: sign up for clean energy at no extra cost with Arcadia to reduce your home’s impact in 3 minutes.

_This post was written by Arcadia customer Paul Denikin. Paul is the owner of DadKnowsDIY.com, which shows off helpful DIY projects. Mr. Denikin learned to navigate the world of DIY while raising a child with special needs. _