Note: This article has been updated since its original publication to reflect up to date information.
Efficiency is all about doing more with less. This is especially true when it comes to your home as inefficient systems and appliances lead to unnecessary expenses. Whether you live in sunny Phoenix and have the AC running year-round, or you live in Seattle where it’s only used two months out of the year, it can be easy for your energy bill to break the bank. Don’t worry though. If you’re looking to save some money, we’ve got you covered. We consulted with experts from Redfin for their best energy-efficient home improvement recommendations. Read on to learn how to make your home more energy efficient and save money:
1. Prep your Home in the summer
The best time to prepare is during the summer. This includes filling up your fuel tank(s) and tuning up and perhaps upgrading your appliances. Our number one suggestion for a more energy-efficient home is installing a smart thermostat. – Fuelwonk
2. Know your home
Before your home energy audit, take the time to observe your comfort in each room of your home; pay attention to temperature, drafts, and sunlight. This information is invaluable to your auditor in helping to determine areas of improvement. – E3 Power
3. Insulate your attic properly for an energy-efficient home
The Department of Energy estimates that a properly insulated attic can reduce your residential electricity usage and deliver savings of 10 to 50% off your monthly energy bill. Although fiberglass insulation has a lower upfront cost and is easy to apply, it can hide air leaks and is less efficient. Advanced home builders recommend blown-in cellulose insulation, which has a better R-Value rating of 3.2 to 3.9, providing much better insulation quality. – Home Energy Club
4. Embrace technology with smart home energy management tools
Homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient by utilizing smart home energy management tools – starting with the Emporia Vue Energy Monitor. The Vue monitors and identifies how much energy is being used in homes and by which circuits. Pair the Emporia Vue with other Emporia smart products like Smart Plugs, EV Charger, and Home Battery System, as well as third-party thermostats and solar systems to automate energy use and storage to limit consumption when energy is in demand, or to consume energy when there is excess solar energy. – Emporia Energy
5. Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances
Learn about ENERGY STAR’s new Home Upgrade program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade to provide homeowners with a set of six electric improvements that can save the average family about $500 a year on utility bills. Homeowners can perform the upgrades, which transition them away from fossil fuels, on a schedule that fits their lifestyle and when their equipment needs to be replaced. – retrofit Home
6. Get a Home Energy Score Report to help create an energy-efficient home
The tip we recommend for a new homebuyer or owner wanting to make their homes more energy-efficient is to head over to the Green Building Registry and pull up their customized Home Energy Score Report. That customized report will provide the most cost-effective energy efficiency recommendations specifically tailored for their home. – Portland Home Energy
