Save money and the planet with these simple hacks to make your home more energy efficient!
Living “green” and eco-friendly may be good for the planet, but it can sometimes be a little tough on your wallet… Especially if you live in a large city like Houston, TX! So, how can homeowners save energy and money? Luckily, there are tons of easy home improvements and hacks you can implement to reduce your energy consumption while also shrinking those utility bills. Plus, some energy-efficient home improvements can qualify Texas homeowners for tax credits every year, which puts even more money back in your pocket!
Here are 11 simple ways to conserve energy and save money:
ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS
Although a bit costly upfront, upgrading to energy-efficient windows can provide some really great benefits—both for the Earth and your pocket. Look for windows with a high ENERGY STAR rating, as these are designed to prevent heat transfer, keep your home comfortable year-round, and reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
If you’re looking for a cheaper home improvement, window film is a great home hack to improve the energy efficiency of your home! Window films reduce heat gain during hot summers and heat loss during cold winters, while also blocking harmful UV rays and providing insulation. This will help you save on heating and cooling costs with a bonus benefit of protecting your furniture from fading!
LOW-FLOW FAUCETS
Installing low-flow shower heads and sink faucets is an inexpensive way to conserve both water and energy. How?
- These types of fixtures reduce water flow without sacrificing pressure, which means you'll use way less water when showering or washing your hands, etc.
- And, this also means you won’t have to heat up as much water, saving energy (and money) with your water heater.
SMART THERMOSTAT
A programmable smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your heating and cooling systems based on a number of different options so that it operates only when needed and reduces energy waste. You can program it to lower the temperature only at night when you’re asleep or on a specific weekend. Some brands even connect to the internet and can be programmed based on the weather forecast!
LED LIGHTING
Switching to LED lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve energy. LED light bulbs can use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, while lasting up to 25 times longer! They also emit less heat, which can somewhat reduce the load on your A/C system during warmer months.
SMART LIGHTING
Smart lighting systems—either motion sensor lights or timed lights—are a great way to save energy by ensuring that lights are only on when needed. Smart lighting systems are ideal for outdoor lighting, closets, mudrooms, and other areas where lights are often left on accidentally. This easy upgrade to a smart lighting system can lead to significant energy savings over time. And sometimes it’s as simple as installing a smart plug!
WEATHERSTRIPPING
Air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings can significantly reduce your home's energy efficiency. Making sure to replace the weatherstripping and caulking around your doors and windows will ensure these openings stay sealed and prevent cool air from leaking out. It will also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce the workload on your HVAC system.
Adding weatherstripping to your doors and windows is a budget-friendly home hack to improve your home's energy efficiency. Plus, it prevents drafts to help keep your home warm in the winter! This simple and inexpensive home improvement can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs over time.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
If your home appliances are more than a decade old, consider upgrading them to newer, energy-efficient models. Once again, you’ll want to look for the ENERGY STAR label indicating the appliance meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. Energy-efficient appliances use way less electricity and water, leading to lower utility bills and greater energy conservation!
INSULATION
Proper home-insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy consumption, especially in hot areas like Houston. Make sure your attic, walls, and floors have adequate (and quality) insulation. Think you need more? Add more! Insulating your home can prevent heat loss in the winter and keep it cooler in the summer, reducing the amount of energy your A/C system spends heating and cooling… reducing your electricity bills each month.
POWER STRIPS
Did you know, most electronic devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off? Using power strips allows you to easily turn power off and on to multiple devices at once, preventing this "phantom" energy usage. You can even get smart power strips that will automatically detect devices that are not being used and shut off power to them! It beats the alternative… unplugging a device every time you’re done using it.
TANKLESS WATER HEATER
Traditional water heaters keep a constant supply of hot water stored, which means they’re constantly heating water, which can be extremely wasteful. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, as it’s being used, which uses way less energy. Plus, it also means you have an endless supply of hot water! Tankless water heaters do have a higher upfront cost, but they can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
CEILING FANS
Ceiling fans are a super simple cost-effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency. In the summer, they can help circulate cool air and reduce the need for air conditioning. In the winter, reversing the fan direction pushes warm air down from the ceiling, helping to keep your home warm! Using ceiling fans in conjunction with your HVAC system can lead to noticeable energy savings, so it can be a good idea to install one in as many rooms as possible.
Implementing these easy home improvements and hacks can make a huge impact on how much energy you use and, eventually, your utility bills. While some of these upgrades require a little bit more money upfront, the long-term savings (not to mention, the environmental benefits) make the investment worth it. By taking these steps, you can create a more energy-efficient home!
You can get even more budget-friendly home improvement ideas here.
If you’re looking to buy an energy-efficient home in the greater Houston area, our team of real estate experts can help! Contact us to get started today.
Alexis Feezel is a results-oriented Marketing Coordinator responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all promotional strategies and activities to effectively market clients & listings and maximize sales.