3 Steps to an Energy-Efficient Basement

Most home designs focus on the main floor, often disregarding the importance of the basement. An energy-efficient basement can drastically improve the energy-efficiency of your entire home, costing you less money in the long run. But what steps can you take to lower your monthly energy bill and make your home more eco-friendly?

Here are the three best ways to make your basement energy-efficient and lower your annual costs.

1. Replace windows with energy-efficient alternatives

Homes in 2019 should all have energy-efficient windows. They cost a bit more than a standard window, but they perform much better in nearly every aspect and last much longer. Unfortunately, many older (and still some new homes) continue to use regular windows, despite the advantages. Replacing your basement windows with energy-efficient alternatives is one of the best ways to lower your energy costs.

2. Swap lighting

Basements are often inherently dark, with an extensive lighting system to compensate. The light bulbs used in basements are typically fluorescent or incandescent, which in combination with the sheer amount needed to completely light a dark basement, lead to higher annual energy costs. The best way to handle this is to replace your traditional lightbulbs with LEDs. They last longer, are always cool to the touch, and are 80% more energy-efficient than regular lightbulbs.

LEDs are an excellent alternative to traditional lighting—they're more powerful, safe, and energy-saving

Another, (albeit more expensive) way to lower your light usage is to install egress windows or a walkout in your basement. Both allow natural light easy access to your basement space, meaning less overall energy expenses.

3. Check basement insulation

Improperly sized thickness or length of insulation is a major unseen culprit of sky-rocketing energy costs. This especially applies if your basement is unfinished—having little to no insulation at all means heat is able to leave your home almost entirely unhindered. The easiest way to determine if your basement is properly insulated or not is to consult with a contractor. If anything is wrong, and you have the motivation, it’s entirely possible to install the insulation yourself!

It takes some time to notice the changes, but all of these options will significantly lower your energy bill, especially if you combine all three steps!