Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Install solar panels: 

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean, renewable energy source. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean, renewable energy source.

• They typically consist of photovoltaic cells made from silicon, which generate direct current (DC) electricity.
• An inverter converts the DC to alternating current (AC) for home use.
• Excess energy can often be sold back to the grid, further reducing costs.
• While initial installation costs can be high, long-term savings and potential government incentives make this an attractive option.
• Solar panels can significantly reduce or eliminate electricity bills over time.
• They increase home value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers if you decide to sell.

Upgrade insulation:

• Proper insulation creates a barrier that slows heat transfer between your home and the outside environment.
• Common insulation materials include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam.
• Attic insulation is particularly crucial as heat rises and can easily escape through a poorly insulated attic.
• Wall insulation can be added by blowing insulation into existing walls or during renovations.
• Crawl space insulation helps prevent moisture issues and improves overall home comfort.
• Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15% according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
• It also helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, improving overall comfort.

Replace old windows with energy-efficient models:

• Modern energy-efficient windows use multiple panes of glass with inert gas (usually argon) between them for better insulation.
• Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings on the glass reflect heat into the home in winter and out of the home in summer.
• Double-pane windows provide a significant improvement over single-pane, while triple-pane offers even better insulation.
• Energy-efficient windows reduce drafts, making areas near windows more comfortable.
• They can lower energy bills by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
• These windows often have better sound insulation, reducing outside noise.
• ENERGY STAR-certified windows can lower household energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide.

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances:

• ENERGY STAR-certified appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.
• Modern refrigerators use about 50% less energy than models from 15 years ago.
• Energy-efficient washing machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than regular washers.
• ENERGY STAR-certified dryers use 20% less energy than conventional models.
• Look for appliances with the highest energy efficiency rating for maximum savings.
• While these appliances may cost more upfront, they lead to significant savings on utility bills over time.
• They often come with advanced features and better performance in addition to energy savings.

Install a smart thermostat: 

• Smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences to automatically adjust temperature settings.
• They can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust settings when away from home.
• Many can detect when you’re away and adjust accordingly to avoid heating or cooling an empty house.
• Some models can provide detailed energy usage reports to help you understand and optimize your consumption.
• They can integrate with other smart home devices for more comprehensive energy management.
• ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats save an average of 8% on heating and cooling bills.
• Many utility companies offer rebates for installing smart thermostats, further reducing costs.

Upgrade to LED lighting:

• LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.
• They produce very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs, reducing cooling costs in summer.
• LED bulbs come in a variety of colors and can be dimmed for versatility.
• They contain no mercury, making them more environmentally friendly than CFLs.
• The long lifespan of LED bulbs (often 20+ years) means less frequent replacements and lower maintenance costs.
• LED technology continues to improve, with newer bulbs offering better light quality and even greater efficiency.
• Switching to LED lighting can save a household about $225 in energy costs per year.

Improve air sealing:

• Air sealing involves finding and sealing leaks in your home’s envelope (the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings).
• Common areas for air leaks include windows and doors, electrical outlets, and where utilities enter the home.
• Weatherstripping can be used around doors and windows to reduce drafts.
• Caulk can seal smaller gaps and cracks around window frames and where different building materials meet.
• Spray foam insulation can be used for larger gaps, especially in attics and basements.
• Proper air sealing can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.
• It also improves indoor air quality by reducing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and allergens.

Install a heat pump system:

• Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another, rather than generating heat.
• In winter, they extract heat from the outside air (even cold air contains some heat) and pump it into your home.
• In summer, the process is reversed to cool your home.
• They are much more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems, especially in moderate climates.
• Air-source heat pumps are the most common, but ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps offer even greater efficiency.
• Modern heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating.
• They provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Upgrade water heating:

• Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses from storage tanks.
• They can be 24–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.
• Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly, making them 2-3 times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.
• Both options provide a continuous supply of hot water, unlike traditional tank heaters which can run out.
• While initial costs are higher, these systems typically last longer and have lower operating costs.
• Some models can be controlled via smartphone apps for additional energy savings.

Add reflective roofing:

• Reflective roofing materials, often called “cool roofs,” reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs.
• They can be made of highly reflective paint, sheet covering, or reflective tiles or shingles.
• Cool roofs can stay more than 50°F cooler than standard roofs during peak summer weather.
• This can significantly reduce cooling costs, especially in hot climates.
• They can help reduce the urban heat island effect in cities.
• Cool roofs can extend roof life by reducing thermal expansion and contraction.
• Some cool roofing products qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, potentially making them eligible for tax credits or other incentives.