According to The Review, the interior design choices you make in your home can affect your overall energy consumption.

Choices such as window treatments, types of roof coverings and lighting can have a major effect on electricity use and your overall carbon footprint. What home changes can you make now, and in the future, to curb energy use?

Consider the following changes:

• Colors: Both outdoor and indoor color choices can impact energy in your home. Dark exterior paint is more likely to hold in heat, whereas a lighter color will enable the home to remain cool. Always consider the climate and usual temperature of your location before making a change.
• Exterior doors: Choose an exterior door that has a highly rated energy performance rating. Choose a door that will keep your energy consumption low, as well as pests outside and heat or cold inside.
• Flooring: Carpets are known to trap heat, making homes warmer during the winter months. But in the summer, this heat is known to remain as well. Consider lifting carpets during warmer months to keep rooms as cool as they can be. Keep your air conditioning and heating system from overworking itself, causing higher electricity bills and a possible need for quicker replacement. 
• Furnishings: Furniture with high back features, skirts or heavy materials can hold warmth and keep out drafts during cooler months. In the summer, consider using wicker furniture, or chairs and couches made of other lighter materials for a cooling effect throughout your home.
• Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient bulbs, turn off the lights when not in use and utilize natural lights whenever possible. Doing so can reduce your electricity bill as well as expelled heat.

Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspection Services today for a more conscious home energy efficient way of living. Visit our website for more information.