Home Upgrades That Cut Energy Costs - Home & Texture
Budget Friendly Energy-Efficient Upgrades

7 Home Upgrades That Can Actually Help You Cut Energy Costs

Learn how to cut back your usage so you can cut down the cost.

May 10, 2024 at 5:35 AM PST
Budget Friendly Energy-Efficient Upgrades

7 Home Upgrades That Can Actually Help You Cut Energy Costs

Learn how to cut back your usage so you can cut down the cost.

May 10, 2024 at 5:35 AM PST

If your energy costs are way too high, there are plenty of home upgrades that can help. These quick fixes don’t just make your space cooler, but they can help you save a pretty penny on those annoying energy bills, too.

Because energy costs are rising, more and more people are looking for ways to cut down on their power usage to save money. Plus, with a growing interest in sustainability, now has never been a better time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home.

To learn how to keep your monthly costs low, here are seven home upgrades to try out.

A smart thermostat
Photo credit: Sean D

Invest in a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats are super popular among homeowners, and for good reason. They learn your schedule and adjust the heating and cooling accordingly when you’re home.

That means if you forget to turn off the AC when you leave the house, you don’t have to worry at all. You can control your thermostat from your smartphone, too, which is pretty cool and convenient.

Keep your home insulated.

Having proper insulation is like giving your home a cozy blanket. It keeps the heat out in summer and in during winter, which helps reduce your energy costs down the line.

To keep it that way, make it a point to regularly check that your attic and walls are properly insulated because these are prime spots where energy can slip out.

And if you have to, don’t hesitate to add more or upgrade your insulation. It’ll cost more upfront cost, but the savings on heating and cooling bills will be worth it over time.

Upgrade to energy-efficient windows.

Single-pane windows are so 1970. And if you still have them, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

Double-pane windows are a smart investment because they provide an extra layer of insulation. They help maintain a regular temperature throughout your home so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work too hard. Plus, they help keep outdoor noise down, too.

Photo credit: onurdongel

Install LED lighting.

Switching out your old incandescent bulbs for LED lighting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective changes you can make.

LED bulbs use at least 75% LESS energy than your average bulb. And they last up to 25 times longer, too.

Rather than having to replace your burnt-out bulbs, swapping them out for LED ones can save you a lot of energy and as a result, money.

Try saving power with energy-efficient appliances.

You can save money on energy costs by reducing how much power you use. The next time you’re out shopping for an appliance, be sure to look for those with the ENERGY STAR label. These appliances have to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

And whether you need a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or washer and dryer, picking energy-efficient models can help you save big on water and energy use.

Consider a tankless water heater.

Tankless water heaters are another great way to cut energy costs. Regular water heaters require you to keep a large tank of water hot pretty much around the clock, but tankless versions heat water on demand. This means you’re not paying to heat water you aren’t using. Not to mention, they tend to take up way less space, which is an added bonus for smaller homes.

Photo credit: Halfpoint Images

Try solar panels.

If you’re sick and tired of paying an arm and a leg on energy costs each month, solar panels might be the way to go. Not only do they reduce your carbon footprint, but they can be a clever way to add value to your home, too.

Of course, the initial setup can be pricey, but seeing your energy cost go down is totally worth it. Plus, depending on where you live, you might qualify for tax incentives or rebates, which help offset the installation costs.




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