Moving or remodeling your home in Spencer, North Carolina, brings excitement but also stress and unexpected energy costs. Choosing the right storage for remodeling project needs can reduce clutter and help you work more efficiently, but it’s also important to consider how packing, cleaning, and logistics affect your utility bills. From overusing HVAC systems to keeping lights on for long hours, costs can climb quickly. Fortunately, with a few smart strategies, you can cut energy use without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Use these tips to reduce energy use and lower your bills during a move or remodel.
1. Time Your HVAC Use Wisely
Moving during Spencer’s hot summers or cold winters quickly drives up HVAC energy use. Your system may become one of your top energy drains. Consider using storage for remodeling project needs to free up space and make the process smoother. Here’s how to keep your HVAC system efficient during your move:
Schedule HVAC use strategically: If you’re only moving a few items or cleaning out your space before the move, keep the HVAC system off when you don’t need it. Open windows during milder weather to circulate fresh air rather than turning on air conditioning or heating.
Optimize temperature settings: Before the move, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature, especially if you’re leaving your home vacant for a few days. Set your thermostat to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter. These settings help maximize energy savings, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Choose Energy-Efficient Packing Methods
Packing for a move doesn’t just involve finding boxes. It’s also about being mindful of how to reduce your energy usage during the process, including choosing storage for remodeling project needs. Consider these energy-saving packing tips:
Opt for lightweight packing materials: Packing heavy furniture, especially if it’s not well-protected, could lead to more energy consumption while moving. Consider using lighter, eco-friendly packing materials like reusable fabric moving blankets or packing paper, which can save on transportation energy.
Minimize trips: Whether you’re using a moving container, portable storage units, or personal vehicles, make sure to pack efficiently to minimize the number of trips. The fewer times you move things from one location to another, the less fuel you’ll use.
3. Install Smart Home Technology During Renovations
If you’re remodeling your Spencer home, it’s a great time to invest in energy-efficient home upgrades. Smart home technology is an easy way to monitor and control energy use more effectively during and after your remodel, and utilizing storage for remodeling projects can help you maintain a clutter-free environment while optimizing energy efficiency.
Smart thermostats: Install a smart thermostat that can learn your preferences and adjust temperature settings based on your routine. This will reduce heating and cooling costs while ensuring your home stays comfortable.
Energy-efficient lighting: Switch to LED bulbs and consider installing dimmer switches or motion sensors to reduce energy use in your home.
Energy-efficient appliances: If you’re replacing old appliances during the remodel, choose Energy Star-rated models. They use less energy and help reduce your overall energy consumption.
4. Create Space and Save Energy With Storage for Remodeling Project Needs
One of the biggest challenges during a remodel is maintaining a clutter-free space. This reduces your comfort and makes it harder to control temperature and airflow. By using self-storage containers for rent, you can remove excess items temporarily and create a safer, more efficient environment for contractors to work in.
STORsquare’s storage container rentals offer a flexible, energy-saving solution during your move or remodel. You can keep your belongings stored nearby in a mobile storage container, avoiding the hassle of making repeated trips. Plus, with storage rental containers, your items will be protected from the elements and free up valuable space in your home, allowing HVAC systems to work more effectively without dealing with additional clutter.
5. Seal Gaps and Improve Insulation
A crucial part of reducing energy costs during a remodel is ensuring your home is sealed and insulated properly. Gaps around windows, doors, and other openings let cool or warm air escape, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. Here are a few ways to address this:
Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors. You can seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk, which will reduce air leakage and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Insulate your attic: If you’re remodeling your home, consider improving insulation in the attic or walls. Proper insulation will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing your need for heating and cooling.
6. Conserve Energy While Unpacking
Once you’re settled into your new or remodeled home, it’s time to start unpacking. But this doesn’t mean you should ignore energy savings. Here’s how to continue being mindful of your energy usage during the unpacking phase:
Unpack efficiently: Just like when you packed, be strategic about where you place items to avoid using extra energy to move them again later. Set up your rooms with energy efficiency in mind by placing furniture and appliances in a way that allows natural light to flow through the space.
Limit energy use: Avoid turning on every light in the house, especially if you can utilize natural light or lamps in a specific room.
7. Keep Energy Costs Down With Storage for Remodeling Project Needs
If you’re remodeling a section of your home, you may not be able to use certain areas of the house temporarily. This is where portable storage units come in handy. You can place your belongings in a moving container outside while contractors work, reducing the need for constant adjustments to your HVAC system or lighting.
STORsquare’s mobile storage options can give you a simple, convenient way to manage your belongings during this transition. Not only do they free up space in your home, but they also help keep your property organized while maintaining energy efficiency during the remodeling process.
8. Consider Landscaping and Window Treatments
If your remodeling includes exterior changes or landscaping, be mindful of how these can impact your energy bills. For example, trees and shrubs placed strategically around your home can block wind or provide shade, reducing your cooling costs in the summer. Additionally, installing energy-efficient window treatments like blinds or shades can help control temperature inside your home, further cutting energy use.
By implementing these simple strategies, you can reduce your energy consumption while moving or remodeling in Spencer, North Carolina. Transitioning to a new home or upgrading your space can help cut energy costs and protect the environment. Every small step makes a difference. Don’t forget to take advantage of services like storage container rentals to ensure a smooth, energy-efficient move or remodel.