Many homeowners don't realize how easy it is to make their home run on less energy. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling, and electricity costs can be accomplished through simple changes — most of which you can do yourself.
Why Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient?
- It saves you money — an efficient home costs less to power.
- It increases comfort indoors year-round.
- It reduces pollution from conventional power production.
- Tax breaks, rebates, and utility incentives are available to many homeowners.
Heating & Cooling
Install a programmable thermostat, replace air filters regularly, and draw curtains over windows to better insulate rooms. Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make it more comfortable and efficient — and much of it is DIY-friendly.
Windows & Doors
About one-third of a home's total heat loss occurs through windows and doors. Sealing window edges and cracks with rope caulk, or installing storm windows on single-pane windows, can make a noticeable difference.
Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs convert only about 10% of the energy they use into light — the rest becomes heat. Swapping them for LEDs or CFLs is one of the easiest upgrades available.
Water Heating & Fixtures
A tankless water heater provides hot water only as needed, avoiding the standby energy losses of traditional storage tanks. Low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets can also meaningfully cut water and energy usage.
Everyday Habits
Cook smart — convection ovens and pressure cookers use less electricity than conventional ovens. Match pan size to the heating element. Avoid high-temperature laundry settings on lightly soiled clothes, and wait for a full load before running the washer.
For homeowners who want a deeper dive, a certified energy auditor can perform in-depth testing to find the best solutions for your specific home.