Making your home more energy efficient should start with you examining your usage level. Once you’ve identified the areas that need improvement, you can start the process. Here are some ways that you can wire your home for maximum energy efficiency.

Invest in Heating and Cooling Solutions

Almost half of your home’s total energy consumption is a result of heating and cooling. Look at ways that you can reduce your total usage. The first place to start may be upgrading your older models to more energy efficient ones. Take a look at the efficiency of your ducting system. You may be wasting a lot of heat and air in unused spaces. Use drapes and other window covers to your advantage. Block out the sun during the summer and the cold air during the winter. Use your windows to heat and cool your home when you’re able.

Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances

Approximately a third of your energy usage comes from your appliances. If you replaced your old appliances with ones that used less energy, you could reduce your overall consumption. Install switches that will turn off the power to an appliance that isn’t in use. Consider doing this for items like a coffee maker, a dishwasher, or your stove. Check the door insulation on your refrigerator. This appliance shouldn’t need to run all of the time.

Upgrade Your Wiring

Older wires in your home may make the electricity that’s running through them less efficient. This is because that as the wires age, they become less safe and more prone to shorting out. Upgrade the electrical wiring in your home so that you can get the most out of your electrical system. You want to have peace of mind knowing that your wiring isn’t going to spark on electrical fire. Have more circuits installed so that they aren’t constantly tripping.

Install Sensors

There are lots of gadgets on the market that can help to make your home more energy efficient. Installing motion sensors and automatic shutoff switches to your lights is one way to reduce your usage. Many of these devices are hardwired into your current electrical system. There are also smart power strips that will cut off the power to items that aren’t in use. Consider using this for your portable charging devices. It’s unlikely that your cell phone and laptop need to be hooked up to the charger all the time.

The home of the future is one in which technology is used to reduce your total consumption. Upgrade your home so that you can cash in on the maximum amount of energy efficiency available.