Let’s be honest: Nobody likes bugging family members to tweak the thermostat or air conditioner for energy savings gains. Facing record-setting temperatures and rising energy costs, most homeowners need to figure out how to strike the perfect balance between comfort and cost-efficiency — which is no easy feat.

But with climate change wreaking havoc on local power grids and wallets, finding ways to keep your home comfortable without draining resources is more important than ever before. 

To keep costs down but stay cozy all year long, you should do everything you can to reduce your carbon footprint by creating an energy-efficient house.

Read on to learn more about energy efficiency, why it’s essential, and some home improvement tips for making your slice of real estate more sustainable and cost-effective.

What is an energy-efficient home?

An energy-efficient home is a property that optimizes energy usage and minimizes environmental impact. Energy-efficient homes are built with features and technologies designed for efficient energy use throughout the house, including heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances. 

Most new homes today come with built-in mechanisms engineered for maximizing energy. But you can also make an older home energy-efficient by making upgrades and repairs. So, in the event you’re eyeing a dream house that’s behind the times, don’t let dreams of energy efficiency hold you back.

Why does energy consumption matter?

According to a recent report, U.S. electricity use per capita is the highest out of any major economy — by far. Each person in the U.S. consumes about 12.87 megawatt hours of electricity each year, which is three-and-a-half times higher than the global average.

What’s more, electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. after transportation, accounting for 25% of national emissions. Looking forward, the country’s demand for electricity will only increase as auto fleets become increasingly electric. 

Good news: As a new homeowner, you can help reverse this trend by embracing energy-efficient practices. With all this in mind, let’s take a look at some key reasons why reducing your energy footprint at home is the smart move.  

Save energy

Excess energy usage puts pressure on local infrastructure, impacting the entire energy supply chain. When households consume excessive energy, the power grid has to work harder to meet demand. As a result, energy companies may have to adjust their pricing structures to accommodate peak usage times. 

By curbing energy consumption at home, you’ll do your part to promote efficient resource consumption. This helps keep costs down for everyone while preventing overloads and reducing the likelihood of disruptions.

Reduce emissions 

Energy consumption from fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions, which create air pollution and contribute to climate change. 

Lowering energy consumption at home reduces emissions, helping mitigate the harmful effects of climate change like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Lower energy costs

You’ll also save money by incorporating energy-efficient features and practices that minimize energy and resource consumption. 

According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the average American spends $2,000 paying for energy each year. Making matters worse, $200 to $400 of this chunk is wasted on drafts, air leaks around openings, and outdated heating and cooling systems. 

By making energy efficiency upgrades, you can reduce financial waste and make your home more comfortable — all while doing your part to protect the environment.

What upgrades can you make to lower your energy bills?

Making small changes and investments can go a long way toward reducing energy consumption and lowering your bill. Here are some of the ways you can improve energy efficiency in your home.

Modernize your HVAC systems

If you have an older property, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems could contribute to energy waste. Consider upgrading to eco-friendly systems to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly bills. While you’re at it, get in the habit of paying for routine maintenance, which can also help improve efficiency. 

Install a programmable thermostat

Consider replacing your outdated thermostat with a programmable model that will enable you to set different temperatures throughout the day. Such devices enable you to optimize heating and cooling based on your schedule so you can avoid unnecessary energy consumption when you’re not at home. 

Insulate and seal cracks

One of the secrets to energy efficiency at home is preventing heat loss in the winter and cool air leakage during the summer. To accomplish this, identify areas where air escapes through cracks and gaps. You can do this by installing foam insulation and air sealing any gaps or cracks, which can reduce the load on your systems and save energy. 

Install LED lighting

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are an energy-efficient and long-lasting alternative to traditional light bulbs. High-quality LED light bulbs can last for tens of thousands of hours, saving you a good chunk of change over the lifecycle of the unit. 

In addition to savings, LED lights don’t contain hazardous materials like mercury, which is common in fluorescent bulbs. They are also recyclable and help reduce carbon emissions. Plus, they fit into standard light sockets, so you don’t have to rip and replace any fixtures to install energy-efficient lighting. 

What is a smart home?

A smart home is a residence that uses automation and connected technology to enhance comfort, security, efficiency, and convenience. Inside a smart home, devices and systems — like smart thermostats, refrigerators, stoves, heat pumps, security systems, and lighting systems — are connected through the internet of things (IoT), and you can control them via your smartphone. 

Did you forget to turn the lights off when you went to work in the morning? There’s an app for that.

In addition to curbing energy usage, intelligent devices can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. As a modern feature, they can also increase the value of your home.

Tips for making your home more energy efficient

You don’t have to go overboard when making your home more energy-efficient. In fact, making a few minor changes can have a big impact. With that in mind, the following tips can help you slash home energy use. 

Conduct an energy audit

Before you make any changes, conduct an energy audit to identify energy waste and form an improvement plan. Start by gathering utility bills from the last year and begin analyzing your energy consumption patterns to see if there are any significant changes and seasonal variations. 

Once that’s done, walk through your home and see if you notice specific areas that may contribute to energy loss — like drafts, inadequate insulation, and inefficient appliances. While you’re at it, evaluate lighting fixtures and your HVAC system to see what shape they’re in. 

Embrace renewable energy and install solar panels

By installing solar panels on your property, you may be able to power your home with renewable energy and reduce your reliance on the power grid. While solar panels can be expensive to install, you can potentially lower your utility bills over time — assuming you stay in your house long enough to break even on the investment.

Some power companies also incentivize solar panels by allowing you to sell power back to the grid — a strategy known as metering. If you have a home that’s capable of producing more solar energy than you consume, it’s worth checking whether this is an option in your area. 

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances 

One of the most surefire ways to improve energy efficiency is to replace older appliances with Energy Star-certified models. These appliances — including refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines — use less energy while providing the same functionality as their older counterparts. Sometimes, they’re even better. 

As an example, water heaters are a common source of energy waste, accounting for roughly 13% of annual residential energy usage and consumer utility costs. If you have an old water heater, consider lowering your water heater temperature or upgrading to an eco-friendly model.

Limit screen time

The average person now checks their phone 144 times per day — in addition to watching television, using a laptop or tablet, and playing video games. Multiply that times three or four family members, and it’s easy to see how devices can consume a lot of energy. 

Limiting screen time at home reduces power consumption and contributes to a more energy-efficient lifestyle. Plus, it gives you time to engage in the old-fashioned art of having actual conversations with real human beings!

Unplug devices

Look around your house and try to find all the items that connect to an outlet when they aren’t in use — like floor fans, television monitors, charging docks, and coffee machines. Believe it or not, these devices contribute to phantom energy consumption even when they’re not on. When devices are off or in a standby state, they consume small amounts of power. By making sure devices you aren’t using are unplugged, you can cut off standby power consumption and reduce energy waste.

Learn to love cold water

Everyone uses hot water throughout the day. We take hot showers, we wash our clothes and dishes in hot water, and we use hot water to cook. Unfortunately, hot water doesn’t appear out of the ether. You need to heat it up, which requires energy. 

Consider washing clothes with colder water and start taking cold water showers to reduce your consumption. As a bonus, you’ll probably take shorter showers and use less water!

Plant shade trees

Another way to make your home more eco-friendly is to plant shade trees in areas with a lot of sunlight. This landscaping hack can reduce the need for home cooling. As an added bonus, you may also increase your property value by improving your property’s visual appeal. 

There are all sorts of shade trees; some common examples include maple, oak, elm, cottonwood, beech, and ginkgo. If you’re thinking about planting some of your own, check with your local environmental agency and ask what they recommend for your area. 

Reduce your reliance on air conditioning 

If you’re the kind of person who keeps their house frozen during the summer, you’re wasting a ton of energy. Even with soaring temperatures, many homeowners go overboard with cooling. 

If you want to reduce energy waste, consider turning your air conditioner up a bit. Better yet, turn it off when you can and open windows to let the fresh air in. Of course, you can also switch to ceiling and floor fans, which can help distribute air and cool things down. 

Air dry clothes

If you have space, ditch your dryer for a clothesline or drying rack. In addition to cutting back your energy usage, you’ll also prolong the life of your clothes. Air drying helps maintain fabric quality, reduces shrinking, and preserves elasticity. It’s also a great reason to get outside.

What are energy rebates?

Energy rebates are financial incentives that utility companies, nonprofits, and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy offer to encourage individuals to invest in energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Rebates typically involve a partial refund or discount on the purchase price of energy-efficient products and services. Most of the time, energy rebates are attached to appliances, vehicles, HVAC systems, renewable energy systems, and other similar items. 

It pays to prioritize energy efficiency! 

While making a house energy-efficient takes time and money, that money’s well-spent. Not only does an energy-efficient house put more money in your wallet each month, it also helps you reduce your impact on the environment. 

That said, it’s much easier to buy a property with smart appliances, solar panels, and energy-efficient windows than to do all the work yourself.

That being the case, consider prioritizing energy efficiency when you buy your first home. At the end of the day, all homebuyers should research properties before visiting them, ask questions during walkthroughs, and consult with energy inspectors and local agencies to understand how different types of homes consume energy. Before agreeing to a deal, ask the seller to share utility bills with you to get a better idea of how much you can expect to spend on utilities each month.

By asking about energy consumption before making an offer on a house, you can potentially save thousands of dollars in upgrades and enhancements over the years. Who ever thought you’d care so much about a washer or an HVAC system!

Of course, energy is just one thing you should look into before making an offer on a home. To learn more about other considerations you should make, read this: 10 Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer on a Home.

2023 Edition

Advertising Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned on this page, but the opinions expressed are our own.

As the days grow longer and warmer, homeowners across the country are turning their attention to spring home maintenance.

After a long winter, it’s important to take the time to make sure your home is ready for the warmer weather season ahead. Not only will this help maintain your home’s value, it can also save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key spring home maintenance tasks that every homeowner should consider.

1. Inspect your roof

Winter weather can be tough on your roof, one of the first items on your spring cleaning checklist should be checking for any roof damage as soon as possible. Look for damaged or missing shingles, cracks, and leaks. Addressing any issues early can help prevent further damage and save you money in the long run.

If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, consider hiring a professional to do it for you. Normally, roof repairs or replacement is one of the highest ROI home improvement projects you can take on.

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

Clean gutters and downspouts are essential to the health of your home. Over the winter, debris such as leaves and twigs can accumulate in your gutters, which can lead to clogs, mildew, and water damage.

Use a ladder to access your gutters, and remove any debris by hand or with a garden hose. Once you’ve cleaned your gutters, make sure your downspouts are clear as well. If you’re not comfortable cleaning your gutters yourself, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.

3. Protect what matters most

Having peace of mind in the down economy starts with knowing your home and family are better protected from catastrophe.  Whether it’s burglary, intrusion, fire, or any other environmental disaster, home monitoring services are critical and serve as your eyes and ears when you need it most.

Luckily for you, ADT, the #1 Smart Home Security provider in the U.S., is currently running a special promotion to receive a FREE* installation of a Google Nest Doorbell. ADT also offers a 6-Month Money Back Guarantee** to ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase.

Are you aware that you will likely be able to save a nice chunk off of your home insurance premium after you install your new security system? Most insurance carriers provide a discount specifically for having home security.

So, ready to step it up for your ultimate peace of mind? Make sure your loved ones are safer and that you’re better protecting the largest investment of your life. Take advantage of this special promotion, and get a FREE quote from ADT today.

4. Check your HVAC system

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been working hard all winter, so it’s important to have it serviced by a professional to ensure that it’s working efficiently.

A professional HVAC technician can inspect your system, clean or replace air filters, and perform any necessary repairs. This will help save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your system.

Spring is the perfect time of the year to check your air conditioning unit. The last thing you want is to learn the hard way that your air conditioner isn’t working during the dog days of summer.

5. Inspect your windows and doors

Windows and doors can be a major source of energy loss in your home. Check for any cracks or gaps in your windows and doors and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. This will help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing your energy bills.

6. Maintain your lawn and garden

Spring is a great time to get your lawn in shape and touch up your garden. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly landscaping issues and increase your home’s curb appeal. Consider hiring a professional landscaper to trim trees and shrubs, fertilize your lawn, and plant new flowers and plants.

7. Shop home insurance quotes

Let’s face it: Everyone who owns a home needs homeowners insurance. But how often have you actually used your insurance? Probably not nearly enough to make up for the cost year after year.

Here’s something most people don’t know about home insurance: It’s actually one of the easiest ways homeowners can save.

Homeowners insurance is actually pretty inexpensive but most people are paying far too much. In fact, most homeowners can save up to thousands off their annual bill for the same, or even better coverage by using this popular website.

In around two minutes, you can get quotes from the top insurance providers that ultimately compete to give you the lowest rate possible — allowing you to get a big discount on securing great coverage. Many folks report they’re able to get huge savings just by using this site to help reduce their bill for free.

8. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are essential safety features in every home. Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly by testing them regularly. This is a simple step that can save your life and protect your home.

9. Check for water leaks

Water leaks can cause significant damage to your home, so it’s important to check your pipes, faucets, and toilets for any leaks. Look for signs of water damage, such as water stains on walls or ceilings, and address any leaks as soon as possible. This will help prevent water damage and save you money on your water bills.

10. Clean your dryer vent

A clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Remove the vent from the back of your dryer, and use a vacuum or brush to remove any lint or debris. This will help prevent fires and extend the life of your dryer.

While you’re at it, check out your washer to make sure it’s working properly. If not, it may need a tune-up.

11. Inspect your sump pump

If you have a basement, you likely have a sump pump to prevent flooding. Inspect your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump turns on and removes it.

12. Look for termites

March through June are prime season for termites and critters to thrive and begin tearing through the wooden structures in your home.

If there are tiny insects flying out of the exterior structure of your home, they could be termites. Also, if your next-door neighbors suddenly put up a carnival-like tent to get rid of termites, you’ll want to call a licensed pest control professional as soon as possible.

13. Examine your water heater

Nobody wants a leaky water heater. If it’s not working properly, your water heater could damage the floor it sits on and cause you to make many more costly repairs. If you see any water or signs of rust around the water heater, you’ll want to call a professional to inspect it.

These small leaks and signs of rust could eventually cause sediment buildup and major problems in the future if they’re not taken care of right away.

14. Explore for leaks

Basements and attics are usually the main points of entry for leaks. It’s extremely important to inspect each with great caution to make sure winter didn’t leave small holes behind that water can work its way through.

If you smell or feel musty when you enter the attic or basement, those are clear signs that water may be making its way inside. Check the walls, ceiling and other materials for discoloration and any signs of water stains. If you find any, call a professional immediately.

15. Don’t let pricey home repairs kill your budget

Why is it that things always seem to break when you need them the most? 

Don’t fall victim to faulty appliances and costly home repairs anymore. Instead, invest in a home warranty, which covers the gaps in most traditional home insurance policies. In the long run, you are likely to save thousands of dollars from having to repair those old appliances. 

Enter American Home Shield, the USA leader in home warranties. They’ve been protecting people from such nightmares for over 50 years. 

Act now and you can receive $100 off of your new home warranty plan. Claim your FREE quote today.

16. Clean your furnace

Chances are great that your furnace and fireplace have seen some serious usage during the last few months. Since spring has sprung, you’re probably not going to be using your furnace system for some time.

Spring is the perfect time to clean the filter system, blower, and motor of your furnace system. It’s also a great time to call a chimney sweep before the summer sun beats down and makes cleaning a bigger hassle than it already is.

You may not need to conduct all the repairs on this spring home maintenance checklist, but it’s always good to take a look at everything to make sure you have all the bases covered.

17. Replace old inefficient windows

Join the growing group of Americans who are finally smartening up by saving hundreds of dollars on their energy bills just by replacing their house’s windows.

Believe it or not, this is one of the greatest and quickest investments you can make in your home because of the large savings energy efficiency creates.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy proved you can save hundreds of dollars per year when you upgrade to new energy-efficient windows — like these from USA replacement window leader, Renewal by Andersen.

Act now to get a special Buy one get one 40% off plus an extra $200 off.* This is the best promotion available and it is yours today! Request your free quote while this offer is still available.

*Minimum purchase required, see offer for details.

18. Test your irrigation system

Your irrigation system has likely been stuck inside the frozen ground for a few months, which can be extremely harsh on these brittle pipes that help give life to your lawn and landscape.

Run the irrigation system to make sure everything is in working order. Check each sprinkler head to make sure they’re coming out of, and going back into, the ground properly. If they’re a little crooked or you find damaged sprinkler heads, replace them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the system.

Testing the irrigation system extends to checking all the outdoor faucets attached to your home. We really hope you disconnected the hoses from every faucet! If you did — or even if you didn’t — turn on each faucet and connect a hose to each to make sure they’re working properly.

19. Scan screens

Chances are good that you have screen doors and windows that are designed to let that fresh spring air inside and improve the air quality in your home. Most likely, you don’t want any bugs coming through your window screens along with the air.

Walk around your home to carefully scan each screen for any holes that shouldn’t be there. If you find holes, don’t worry! Screens can be patched pretty easily with a standard repair kit from the hardware store.

20. Dump standing water

A key spring home maintenance tip that many people forget is to dump all standing water from your property. Standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which seem to become more and more dangerous each year.

21. Paint the exterior

Take a close look around the exterior of your home to check if harsh winter storms have chipped or stripped paint from the outside of your home.

Although painting the exterior of your home isn’t necessary every spring, it’s the perfect time to change the color of your home! You may also want to keep an extra bucket or two of paint for the future in case you need to patch any spots.

Pro tip: If you’re thinking about painting your house this year, make sure to power wash the walls first.

22. Inspect your foundation

Spring brings thawing snow and, many times, torrential rains. Since excess water will likely be in the forecast, it’s important to check the foundation of your home to make sure the cold weather of winter didn’t leave behind any cracks that may allow water into your home’s structure.

Seal all cracks and imperfections with the necessary tools — or call a contractor to do the work if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

It’s also important to look for spots around the house with unlevel soil that could potentially allow water to pool and push up against your home. If you find any, pack them in with soil or landscape from areas that are away from your home.

23. Reseal woodwork

Winter often piles snow, sleet, slush, and other things onto decks, porches, and other wooden structures, which can cause tremendous harm to the overall makeup of wood-crafted structures and finishes.

Take a close look at any wooden decks, wood trim, and other wooden structures on the exterior of your home to see if they have been warped, stained, or discolored. If they have, it likely means the wood seal has worn off and it’s time to reseal it.

If you have a wooden deck and want to know if you need to reseal it, just pour some water onto the deck. If the water beads up, the seal is likely still intact and you may be able to wait a few more months or a year before you need to reseal the deck. If the water doesn’t bead up, you’ll want to reseal your deck this spring.

Enjoy your home this spring!

Are you enjoying these spring savings recommendations from us?

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¹Source: Strategy Analytics, 2022