Cabins can be incredibly energy-efficient if you construct them correctly. Compared to a traditional house, the thick logs offer excellent natural insulation. But as your cabin gets older, you might realize that it doesn’t stay as cool in the summer or as toasty in the winter as it once did. Although there may be other factors, poor upkeep is typically to blame. There are other steps to make your cabin more energy-efficient, even if it retains heat as well as when it was first constructed. And that is what we would like to discuss in this article. Therefore, keep reading to learn how you can have a cabin that saves you money and energy and not wastes them.
Verify your cabin’s energy efficiency
Although a properly constructed log cabin should be relatively airtight, little cracks in the logs could let warm air out and cold air in. You can spot these issues in a thermography energy scan or an effective energy audit. It should be pretty easy to seal the leaky locations after you’ve located them. Energy audit techniques are recognizable to a qualified Home Energy Rating System or Residential Energy Services Network technician. These professionals will also explain their findings in your cabin and suggest solutions.
Check and update the HVAC system
Start to make your cabin more energy-efficient with the crucial HVAC system, which is usually responsible for at least half of the energy bill. Check for a blocked filter and any other problems limiting airflow and making the system work harder. For a complete inspection, it could be best to hire an expert. In addition, when it comes time to replace the unit, search for one that won’t force you to pick between your comfort and the cabin’s vintage beauty. Thanks to modern high-velocity mini-duct HVAC systems, you can now include cooling and heating components in interior design. Choosing this more compact system will update the cabin and use less energy.
Change the windows with more energy-efficient ones
Old, poorly insulated windows can be one of the significant sources of energy loss. However, window-glazing technology has made fantastic progress in the last fifteen years. And while replacing windows can be expensive, it might be well worth the cost. In truth, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims that ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can cut your household’s energy costs by up to 15%. Therefore, look for models with double or triple panes, low-E coatings, or argon-gas-filled units for the best efficiency. Use the U-factors (rate of heat loss) shown on each unit’s label to evaluate their performance.
Save on water
Before receiving their water bill, many homeowners are unaware of how much water they use. As a result, you might be surprised to learn that your water usage impacts your energy and water bills. You can reduce the water you use at home by doing simple things like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Or even not running the shower while applying shampoo to your hair.
At the same time, to make your water heating system not have to work as hard, wash your clothing in cold water. Since heat can set stains, washing your clothes in cool water is much better for them. Also, showering instead of bathing will reduce water consumption. Therefore,
you will also significantly reduce water and electricity costs. Finally, if you have a garden around your cabin, gather rainwater instead of watering flowers with a hose.
Make your cabin more energy-efficient with insulation
Checking that your cabin is well-insulated can help to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates effectively. At the same time, consider adding thermal insulation to the structure if you’re building a new cabin. Thermal insulation is a fantastic choice for your cabin to keep the hot air in the summer and the cold air out in winter. Your HVAC systems will consume significantly less energy if you insulate your cabin. Furthermore, insulation helps shield your home against bacterial and moisture-related issues.
However, always protect your belongings while renovating or moving into your new cabin. As cabins can be smaller than typical homes, you probably won’t have space for all your belongings, so you need to downsize. As a result, a storage unit can be a great solution to this issue. You can consider renting a unit where you can keep your extra items until you decide what to do with them. In addition, having a unit while renovating is a lifesaver, as mentioned before. You can keep all your precious belongings there and away from potential damage until you finish your project.
Use more LED lights
Replacing old-style incandescent light bulbs with LEDs is one of the simplest ways to make your cabin more energy-efficient. In addition to using around 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, LEDs are more durable. In truth, they last up to 25 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs. Moreover, they create directional light, implying that they emit light in a specified direction as opposed to other light bulbs. That makes them highly adaptable and energy-efficient. Not to mention that all these benefits of LEDs also result in cost savings.
Invest in better appliances
Yes, cabin kitchens are smaller than regular home kitchens. However, they can consume just as much energy. Therefore, a good idea to cut your energy consumption and even create more storage space in your kitchen is to invest in better appliances. Appliances come in literally thousands of varieties. Yet, look for appliances with a high energy star rating when choosing them for your cabin. That includes your stove, refrigerator, microwave, water heater, washing machine, dryer, and air conditioner. You could need to replace your outdated appliances depending on how long you’ve lived there and how old the cabin is. Older appliances lose energy efficiency over time, costing more to use and maintain if they are more than ten years old.
In conclusion
There are several ways to make your cabin more energy-efficient. Most of them are simple and don’t even cost that much. And even if some are more costly, think of the benefits they bring in the long run. Making a more significant investment now will save you a lot of money over time.
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