10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient​

Energy efficient home improvements are not only beneficial to the environment, but many improvements might also save you money on utility bills. These are 10 ways anyone can improve their home’s energy efficiency. 

One way homeowners choose to fund their energy efficiency improvements is with a loan refinance. Some loan refinances, like cash-out refinances* and HELOCs, could give borrowers access to cash to use as they see fit, including energy efficient home improvements. 

Talk to a lender and see if a refinance can help you finance any of these 10 energy efficient home improvements. 

Proper insulation could increase your home’s energy efficiency while potentially lowering heating and cooling costs. Over time, insulation can lose effectiveness, causing warm air to leak out during cooler months and cool air to leak out in warmer months. Improving insulation in your home can help prevent this. 

Depending on the type of insulation you have and the age of your home, your insulation might already need to be replaced. Some signs that it might be time to consider new home installation are: 

• Temperatures between rooms feel uneven 

• Drafts around doors and windows 

• Floors, walls and ceilings are cooler than normal 

• Energy bill spikes during extreme weather 

Not all air leaks are due to poor insulation. Cracks or gaps around windows, doors, air conditioning units and vents can all leak air throughout your home. This can account for energy loss in your home, leading to higher energy bills. 

According to Energy Star, you can save up to 10% on energy bills annually by sealing air leaks around your home. 

LED lightbulbs are cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly than fluorescent bulbs. These lightbulbs can use significantly less energy to run than traditional bulbs, which can lead to a reduction in electric bills. LED lightbulbs also produce lower carbon emissions, which could reduce your environmental impact. 

The longer lifespan of LED lights means you will have to replace them less often, allowing you to save money and cut down on waste. 

If you are hesitant to switch to LED lighting due to their cooler light tones, you will be happy to know that LED bulbs come in a variety of color options, including remote-controlled color-changing versions. 

Older appliances tend to consume more energy, so upgrading your appliances to energy efficient models can reduce a buyer’s carbon footprint. 

While new energy efficient appliances may initially cost more than standard models, users often notice long-term savings in the form of lower energy bills. Some energy efficient appliance upgrades may even be eligible for tax incentives or rebates. 

Changing your thermostat a few degrees in the winter and summertime can add to energy savings if you remember to do it. Smart thermostats can suggest and automatically adjust temperatures based on weather and your preferences for comfort and savings. Some smart thermostats can even link to your electronic devices so you can change the temperature from virtually anywhere. 

Upgrading existing windows can help minimize heat entering during the summer and escaping during the winter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25% to 30% of heating and cooling energy use in homes comes from heat gain and loss through windows. 

Some window upgrades could qualify for tax credits. If you are hoping for these credits, make sure you do some research before upgrading your windows. 

Window upgrades are one of the few energy efficient upgrades that will also increase curb appeal to potential buyers. 

Newer HVAC systems have eco-friendly options designed to help lower emissions and reduce your energy use. Some older systems might not meet current energy standards, leading to higher energy consumption and bills. 

When deciding whether repairing or replacing your HVAC system is right for you, consider the age and condition of your system. Typical HVAC systems last 10-15 years for air conditioners and heat pumps or 15-20 years for furnaces. Some repairs to HVAC systems can be temporary fixes to major problems. Make sure you talk with a professional to see if repairing or replacing your HVAC is the best option for you. 

Water efficient fixtures can reduce a home’s water use, leading to lower water consumption in showers, sinks and toilets. This is not only a benefit to the environment but also could result in lower bills. 

The use of water efficient fixtures has also seen an extension to the life of a home’s plumbing system. With less water in use, there will be less stress on a home’s plumbing system. This can reduce the risk of leaks, bursts and other expenses that worn plumbing can come with. 

Generating your own electricity from solar panels is a clean and renewable source of energy while reducing energy bills. Homes with solar panels reduce their carbon footprint and can help combat climate change. In some areas, homeowners can sell excess energy to the power grid, which can reduce costs. 

In the past decade, solar panels have seen a drop in price and rise in resale value for homes with them. 

If you are looking for smaller ways to save energy, these are a few habits that might seem minor but can have a major impact: 

• Turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug electronics when they are not in use. 

• Try adjusting your energy consumption to avoid peak hours and energy demand times. 

• Smart plugs and power strips can help prevent any electronics from using energy when powered off. 

• Take advantage of natural sunlight when you can to reduce your need for artificial light. 

*Using funds from a Cash-out Refinance to consolidate debt may result in the debt taking longer to pay off as it will be combined with borrower’s mortgage principle amount and will be paid off over the full loan term. Contact Rate for more information.