How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

There are many steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Some energy-efficient changes are one-time investments — like thicker windows for improved installation. However, other changes are merely things to be mindful of around your home that can have a huge impact on how much energy you and your family use each day. Taking these steps will ultimately save you money on your energy bill each month.

Making your home more energy efficient makes sense for several reasons. Since the electricity in our homes is often powered by fossil fuels, using less electricity creates less dependence on foreign oil. Air quality is also greatly improved when we make our homes more energy efficient because power sources like coal burning and natural gas will release less carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) into the atmosphere. With fewer emissions comes cleaner air and less pollution-related health problems. Since CO2 is also a primary contributor to the ongoing problem of global warming, a more energy efficient home can also have an impact on climate change.

The greatest benefit of creating a more energy efficient home, however, may be the money you save on your power bills. In these tough economic times when budgets are tighter than ever, it’s smart to implement energy-saving changes, make energy-efficient home improvements and take advantage of government tax incentives to help cover costs.

Unlike decades past, making your home more energy efficient and using less electricity does not require being uncomfortable or making big sacrifices. On the contrary, creating a more energy-efficient home can actually make your house a more comfortable place to be. For example, replacing old or thin windows with double or triple-glazed argon gas-filled windows will keep the elements out during the extreme weather seasons of summer and winter. Adding new or additional insulation to your ceilings, attic and walls and using caulk or weather stripping to make sure doors and windows are properly sealed will prevent cold drafts and air leaks and keep warm air inside during winter. When the weather heats up, these same improvements will help trap the cool air from air conditioning inside your home during the sweltering summer.

There are other energy-saving tricks you can use to keep your home comfortable in extreme weather. Close the vents in rooms you use less frequently in your home, like guest bedrooms, so you’re only heating or cooling rooms that are occupied. Install digital thermostats to control climate and allow for customized temperature settings during the day, evening and even when you're away from home on vacation. In addition to having a better climate inside your home, these procedures will also help you save money, because your heater and air conditioner won’t have to work as hard and will use far less power to heat and cool your home.

Replacing the older appliances in your home with Energy Star certified appliances can also go a long way towards saving energy and lowering your electric bills. When it’s time to replace your kitchen appliances, washer, dryer, water heater or furnace, research the various models and features so you’ll know which ones are the most energy efficient. When shopping, look for models that are labeled as Energy Star certified to ensure you’re getting an energy- and money-saving appliance. Using low-flow fixtures, like showerheads, can piggyback on the use of a new, energy-efficient water heater, for example, and help to further decrease the energy usage in your home.

Once your new home appliances are installed, you can do even more to increase their efficiency. Study the operator’s manual for each appliance so you’re familiar with the proper operating methods. Then, be mindful of how you’re using your appliances. Minimize their energy expenditure by maximizing their use. Do full loads of clothes and dishes each time. Since your refrigerator is the one appliance in your home that’s always on, maximize its efficiency by turning the temperature to the energy-efficient setting (if indicated on your temperature control) or to 37 degrees (3 degrees for your freezer). Also, keep your water heater in the warm range, 120 to 140 degrees. Small fixes like these can go a long way toward helping the energy efficient appliances in your home use even less power.

Another way to use less power is by changing out all of your existing incandescent light bulbs for high-efficiency compact fluorescent ones. Although fluorescents cost more initially, the end result is considerable savings. This is because fluorescent light bulbs last eight to 12 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Even using a mix of fluorescent and incandescent lighting throughout your home can have an impact in overall energy usage.

Outside your home, plant deciduous shade trees in your yard on the side of your house that gets the most intense sun during the summer months (usually the side with the western exposure). The tree and its leaves will then provide shade during the hottest time of day and naturally help to keep your home cool. In winter, when the tree will be bare, it will allow warm sunshine into your home during the most optimal time of day.

Finally, make sure to take advantage of the tax incentives for energy-efficient home improvements that are available through the federal government. Recent increases in incentives now allow for up to 30 percent of the cost of home improvements — like new windows, insulation, heating or air conditioning — to an existing home to a maximum of $1,500. That’s money back in your pocket in addition to your power bill savings!

We all want to do what we can to help the environment and use less energy in our homes. Thanks to energy-efficient appliances and home improvements like modernized windows and insulation, using less energy in our homes doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or require sacrifice. There are more ways than ever to make our homes more energy efficient. Along with helping to preserve our precious environment, we can save our hard-earned money as well. Visit Home Inspectors at HomeInspector.com to request a free, no obligation quote for a professional home inspection.