It seems like our homes are forever a work in progress. But if you make some energy-efficient changes, you could save big.
Energy-efficient upgrades help reduce water and energy consumption, and thus, lower your utility bills. But, with all the information out there, where do you start? Energy Star is a good starting point, where you can find information about qualifying products that will earn you more in tax rebates, in addition to savings on your home costs.
We’ve compiled a list to get you started.
1. Upgrade Insulation
When was the last time you thought about your insulation? Typically, it needs replacing around the 15 to 20-year mark, but sometimes you might need to do it sooner, rather than later, especially if you have an older house. Of course, this depends on what type of insulation your house has.
Upgrading your insulation can keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, making your heating and cooling systems work less.
2. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are relatively new, but they offer many benefits for homeowners who use them. They can be costly to install, but you can recover some of it in the form of tax rebates.
Additionally, once you register the panels with your electric company, they will start paying you for the generation, instead of the other way around.
3. Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you don’t have a smart thermostat, you might want to upgrade to one. The technology within is efficient because in addition to offering several programmable settings, smart thermostats also intuitively learn your heating and cooling habits.
As a result, you’ll use less energy overall, and that will certainly show in your utility bills.
4. Convert Fossil Fuel to Electricity
If your home currently has an oil tank that requires propane deliveries, it’s likely also affecting the cost of your heating and the value of your home. Switching from oil, propane, or natural gas to electricity can be more efficient—and cheaper in the long run.
You can do this by switching to an electric heat pump over an oil furnace. If you’re not sure how to do it, it’s best to call in the pros.
5. Update Appliances
Over time, your appliances become less efficient, which results in a higher utility cost. If you’ve moved into an older home and it still has older appliances, you’ll want to replace them as soon as you can.
This includes your dishwasher. Believe it or not, newer models are more energy-efficient and use less water per cycle.
6. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Energy-efficient doors and windows can help save you money during the warmer and cooler months of the year by minimizing drafts. You should only invest in these upgrades if you have tried other measures such as upgrading your insulation and adding air sealing improvements.
It’s best to upgrade to double-pane windows, if you don’t have them already.
7. Repair or Replace Your Roof
Your roof, believe it or not, does more than just protect you from the outside elements. It also takes a beating year-round. During heat waves, the sun beats down on it. During winter, depending on where you live, it could be holding massive amounts of snow.
A typical roof, if done well, can last 20 years, but storms and other severe weather incidents can cause premature damage, so a routine inspection is recommended.
8. Add Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are not only aesthetically pleasing, they also help manage internal temperatures by spreading the heat or air conditioning further. This relieves the strain on your HVAC system and will typically result in some utility savings.
Installing ceiling fans is pretty simple, but if you’re not comfortable or don’t have the hardware installed, a qualified handyman or electrician can help.
9. Update Your HVAC System
HVAC systems are designed to last, but they need regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. However, after several years, usually a decade, the performance starts to decline.
When this happens, your utility usage could skyrocket as the system struggles to maintain your preferred temperature. This is especially true in summer months when temperatures are higher.
10. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures help control the amount of water you use. In fact, Energy Star says installing them can help reduce consumption by up to 50%.
You can buy low-flow fixtures at your typical home improvement stores. The best part is there is a wide selection of them and they’re not overly expensive.
11. Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs
This may not be your typical “improvement” but it does offer cost-savings you wouldn’t see using regular bulbs. Where they were once a specialty item, they are now widely available in all your big box stores or online.
The good thing is these bulbs not only save you money on utility costs, but also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, which adds to your savings.
12. Weather Stripping
If you’ve noticed your home is drafty, you might not need to go full-out and replace doors or windows. Sometimes, the simple quick—and inexpensive—fix is weather stripping.
These strips have adhesive on them and are easy to install. You can find them at your local home improvement store in various sizes.
13. Install a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater helps conserve water and overall costs. You’ll save on your utility bills and the actual water heater lasts longer, by 5 to 10 years on average.
If you purchase select models, you’ll be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2,000, so make sure you keep all the documentation.