Do you know how to make your home more sustainable and energy efficient? One of the biggest trends in the home market right now is making your home “green” or energy-efficient. Energy-efficiency can benefit you in several ways. For one, you will be using less electricity, which can save you money. Two, greening your home actually can increase the value, and will enable you to sell the home for more when you move. Third, you will reduce your carbon footprint and make the earth a little better.

If you are new to the eco-friendly lifestyle, you may not know how to make your home a greener place. Luckily, there are some simple and inexpensive ways that can help. Try these tips to make your home more energy-efficient.

Make your home more sustainable and energy efficient

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Use light sources that do not consume energy for sustainability 

Solar lights are an easy way to light up outdoor areas. They collect light from the sun during the day, and at night they reflect the light back. Solar lights do not drain your home energy sources at all. Another option for indoors is to use candles and candle holders for some lighting. If you are scared of dripping wax, there are wickless candles that can supply enough light in a room to avoid turning on lamps. During the day, avoid switching on lights as much as possible and stick to sunlight.

Carry out an energy audit to be energy efficient

Your home can also act as an energy bandit, stealing away the air you generate and making your HVAC system have to work harder to keep your house comfortable. Look for leaks around your home and seal them. A qualified HVAC technician can conduct an energy audit and will identify sources of leaks. According to the US Department of Energy, you can lose up to 60 percent of your home’s energy through leaks in the home. Sealing those leaks will significantly cut back on your home’s energy consumption.

Broken appliances use more energy

To cut back on your energy use, keep your appliances and HVAC system serviced regularly. Many HAVC companies offer yearly system maintenance, and other large appliance companies may as well, such as your fridge company or dishwasher company. Pay attention to your appliances and keep them working well. If your units are older than 20 years, replace them.

Your curtains can provide an excellent source of energy regulation. Simply pull the curtains over the windows in the summer to block out unwanted light. In the winter, open the curtains to allow the sun’s rays to warm the interior of your home. See how to make a curtain here.

Air conditioning and heater systems

According to Energy Savers.gov, lowering your thermostat by about 3 degrees in the winter can save up to 10 percent on heating bills. Raising the thermostat in the summer will have similar benefits. This also cuts back on your energy use.

Implementing these tips are simple ways you can increase the energy-efficiency of your home. Start with small steps, then move on to larger steps, such as replacing appliances with Energy Star rated appliances or installing solar panels. Taking baby steps is the best way to stick to your commitments and make visible progress.

This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and an occasional guest-blogger in various areas. When she is not working she likes to travel around the United States and do yoga.