6 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet – it’s great for your bank account, too. And even small changes around your house can lead to significantly lower utility bills and a more comfortable living space. You just have to know which projects and improvements to prioritize. 

Here are several effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency and start saving money.

1. Seal Air Leaks and Upgrade Insulation

You might be surprised to learn how much energy escapes through small cracks and gaps throughout your home. Take a weekend to inspect areas where different building materials meet – around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. Feel for drafts with your hand or use a lit incense stick to detect air movement on a windy day.

Once you’ve identified these energy thieves, seal them with caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam insulation. For just a few dollars in materials, you can prevent heated or cooled air from escaping.

Next, check your attic insulation. If you can see your ceiling joists, you don’t have enough. Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy upgrades you can make, with potential energy savings of 10 to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Remember to insulate other critical areas too, including basement walls, crawl spaces, and floors above unheated garages.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

If your home has older windows, you’re likely losing up to 30 percent of your heating and cooling energy through them. With that being said, replacing old windows with energy-efficient models is one of the best investments you can make for long-term energy savings.

When shopping for energy-efficient replacement windows, do your research. Look specifically for windows with a low thermal expansion rate. (This feature keeps windows weathertight regardless of temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of seal failures and air leakage over time.)

Other important features to consider include:

• Double or triple glazing with inert gas fills between panes

• Low-E glass coatings that reflect heat back to its source

• Quality frame materials like fiberglass or vinyl that provide better insulation than aluminum

• ENERGY STAR certification for your specific climate zone

While the upfront cost is higher than some other energy improvements, quality windows can last 20-plus years and typically offer a good return on investment through energy savings and increased home value.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

You can save up to 10 percent annually on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. Smart thermostats make this process effortless by learning your schedule and preferences, then automatically adjusting temperatures for optimal efficiency.

These devices allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone, create schedules based on your routine, and receive energy usage reports to identify further savings opportunities. Many smart thermostats will even remind you when it’s time to change air filters – another small task that can improve efficiency by 5-15 percent.

4. Switch to LED Lighting

If you haven’t yet made the switch to LED bulbs, you’re missing out on an easy way to reduce your energy consumption. LED bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 15-25 times longer.

While the initial cost is higher, you’ll save approximately $55 in electricity costs over the bulb’s lifetime for each incandescent you replace. Start by replacing the bulbs in your most frequently used fixtures, then gradually convert your entire home as older bulbs burn out.

5. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR Appliances

Household appliances account for a significant portion of your energy bills. When it’s time to replace aging equipment, choosing ENERGY STAR certified models can make a substantial difference in your home’s overall efficiency.

For example, an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator uses about 9 percent less energy than models that meet the federal minimum standard. A certified washing machine uses about 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than standard models.

Pay particular attention to your heating and cooling equipment, which typically accounts for nearly half of a home’s energy consumption. A high-efficiency HVAC system properly sized for your home can reduce energy use by 20-40 percent!

6. Consider Renewable Energy Options

Once you’ve improved your home’s efficiency, consider generating your own clean energy through solar panels or other renewable technologies. Solar panel costs have dropped dramatically in recent years, and various incentives can further reduce your investment.

A properly sized solar panel system can offset most or all of your electricity needs, potentially eliminating your utility bill entirely. (Even smaller systems can significantly reduce your dependency on grid electricity and provide protection against rising energy costs.)

Putting it All Together

Feel free to start with simple, low-cost improvements. There’s no need to renovate your entire house in one fell swoop. Then, as you see results, you can progress to more significant investments. 

Along the way, you’ll create a more comfortable living environment while also reducing your environmental footprint and saving money month after month. That’s a win-win-win!

Similar Posts:

• Practical Strategies to Increase Residential Heating and Cooling Efficiency
• How Energy Efficient Windows Can Save You Money on Utility Bills
• How Energy Efficient Windows Can Lower Your Utility Bills
• Top Tips for Reducing Your Home’s Energy Consumption
• Small Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades That Make a Big Difference