How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

by Alicia Persson | Jan 9, 2023 | Home Living

how to make your home more energy efficient

With the temperatures plummeting outside, making your home more energy efficient can keep you more comfortable indoors. Though the easiest way to get an energy-efficient home is to buy a new construction home that’s up to code, you can still make your current home more eco-friendly. Anytime is a great time to enjoy better energy savings. After all, who doesn’t like to save money?

You don’t need to do a lot to see a reduction in your energy bills, either. Some of these tasks, like changing light bulbs, can take just a few minutes out of your day. Are you ready to save energy and make your home or investment property better than ever? Here are some ways to lower your property’s energy use and reduce emissions.

What is an Energy-Efficient Home?

An energy-efficient home is made of environmentally conscious materials, uses efficient HVAC systems, and has appliances that reduce a home’s need for energy. Homeowners of eco-friendly houses enjoy lower energy costs on their electric bills. Compared to older homes, these homes have little to no air leaks and minimal energy loss.

The easiest way to get an energy-efficient home is to buy a new home construction that is up to code. More recent buildings are designed with the latest standards in mind, so they are made for efficient energy usage. However, you can still improve an older home by upgrading outdated components and routine maintenance.

Benefits of an Energy-Saving Home

Homes that pass an energy auditor’s standards can give property owners and tenants many advantages. Here are some of the main perks of making your property energy efficient.

  • No more chilly drafts! So much heat loss through cracks in windows and doors makes winter a tough season, even when indoors. However, optimizing your home to reduce or eliminate hot air loss will make your daily life cozier and more enjoyable.
  • You spend less on HVAC repairs & utilities. An efficient home needs less temperature control. This means longer HVAC life, so you pay less for air conditioner repairs, cooling costs, and heating bills.
  • Your furniture and carpeting last longer. Homes with low-E Energy Star windows protect your interiors from UV rays, leading to less fading for carpets and furniture.
  • Less waste goes to landfills. Eco-friendly homes use reclaimed and recyclable materials, which decreases your carbon footprint.
  • Tax savings. Depending on your state, you can claim rebates for installing energy-saving components in your home.
  • Potential for higher resale value. A recent study from Freddie Mac found that energy-efficient homes typically sell 3% – 5% higher homes that aren’t rated energy-efficient.

Characteristics of an Energy-Efficient Home

An energy-saving home has lower energy consumption compared to a typical house. Here are some elements you’ll see in this kind of dwelling.

  • Energy-efficient home designs such as smaller square footage, use of renewable materials, one-level living, and many home improvement measures that reduce energy consumption.
  • An efficient air duct system with no leaks so that you get maximum performance.
  • An air-tight front door and accompanying storm door.
  • Air-tight windows made with low-E glass that insulate the house.
  • A tankless water heater that saves on heating costs compared to a traditional hot water heater.
  • An HVAC system upgrade to at least 13 SEER for air conditioning and heating.
  • Dual-flush toilets to save on water usage.
  • Programmable thermostats to minimize energy use throughout the week according to your schedule.
  • Solar panels to supplement your energy needs.
  • Use of Energy Star-rated appliances and building components. Did you know that an Energy Star-certified house is at least 10% more energy-efficient than other houses built to code? Even changing energy-efficient appliances one at a time can make a big impact over time.
  • Spray foam insulation upgrade for maximum R-value.
  • Use of more natural light through skylights.
  • Big-ticket energy upgrades like cool roofs that deflect UV rays to keep a house cooler in the summer.

Cheap And Quick Solutions

As always, we take advantage of every opportunity to share quick and easy ways to work toward your goals. After all, it’s far better to take some steps forward than none. These solutions cost under $200 and require a fraction of a weekend to complete, so they are perfect for busy homeowners and investors that want to make quick improvements.

  • Install window tint film on existing windows. While this is not a perfect solution, it will reduce the heat a window lets into the house and protect your home from UV rays. This is a great temporary option to hold you over until you install new windows. You can also install blackout/insulating curtains and blinds to help insulate your windows.
  • Switch out some old-fashioned bulbs. Take out your old bulbs and replace them with LED bulbs. Light-emitting diode bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • Install efficient faucets and shower heads. Low-flow shower heads will save you on water bills, saving you thousands of gallons of water. These shower heads and faucets are designed to pressurize water so that you won’t notice a difference even when you’re using less water.
  • Stop the drafts with DIY methods. Seal old doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping.
  • Reduce pressure on your HVAC. Install ceiling fans that you can run during the hottest months of the year.

Find an Energy-Efficient Home with Marketplace Homes

We’re here to help you on your real estate journey. Whether you want to find a new investment property or a new energy-efficient home. Contact us and one of our real estate experts will be glad to help you meet your goals.