Don’t want to keep flushing money down the toilet every month?
It happens to almost every homeowner.
You slowly slide into paying far too much money on heating, cooling and hot water every month.
By the time you realize your energy bill is way too high… You’ve already spent over $2,200 annually on utilities.
And most of that money is going straight to waste.
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances & systems that pay for themselves.
Some of them are free. Others are very low-cost but offer big annual savings for years to come.
…and it’s worth mentioning that you can qualify for federal tax credits covering up to 30% of the cost.
Ready to see the full list?
Water Heater Maintenance Should Be Your Priority
Wait… What’s the deal with water heaters?
If you’ve never given it any thought before, you’re not alone.
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in the modern household. It makes up about 18% of the average energy bill.
That means almost one-fifth of your total energy bill is just going to heat water.
Water heaters lose efficiency over time. Between sediment buildup, insulation wearing out and general deterioration, an older water heater has to work much harder than one that’s properly maintained.
Performing regular water heater maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and can even extend the life of your system.
Flushing your tank, checking your anode rod and inspecting the pressure relief valve are great places to start.
Consider exploring professional water heater solutions if your heater is over 10 years old.
Upgrading your water heater to a heat pump system could save you around $550 dollars every year on utility costs alone.
Say goodbye to high energy bills every month.
Add Insulation & Air Sealing: The Quick Win
Want an upgrade that won’t break the bank?
There’s a reason this list started with water heater maintenance.
Air sealing and insulation are the types of upgrades that homeowners can do themselves relatively cheaply.
Why air sealing & insulation wins:
Leaky ducts and drafts force your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to.
By sealing those leaks and creating a nice, cozy envelope for your home, you could see savings of up to 10% on your yearly energy bills.
Look for holes and cracks in:
- The attic
- The basement and/or crawl space
- Around windows and doors
While homeowners can easily air seal and insulate their homes, some areas are much harder to reach. It’s worth considering hiring a professional to ensure that every nook and cranny is air-tight.
Insulation and air-sealing might not sound like exciting upgrades, but they go a long way towards making your home more energy efficient.
Once a home is sealed up, every other energy-efficient upgrade becomes more effective.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Who doesn’t love set-it-and-forget-it technology?
Smart thermostats aren’t a new invention. But if you haven’t upgraded to a smart thermostat yet, now’s the time.
Smart thermostats learn the rhythms of your home.
If nobody is home, they automatically adjust the temperature. Many models allow you to control settings from an app on your phone.
Installing a smart thermostat is one of the quickest ways to reduce your energy bill.
You can expect to save between 5-15% per year on heating and cooling alone.
And since heating and cooling make up nearly half of your home’s energy usage, that’s a big deal.
One of the easiest energy-efficient upgrades you can make.
Installing a smart thermostat takes less than an hour, and most pay for themselves in the first year they’re installed.
The Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump
The single biggest energy-efficient upgrade?
Heat pumps.
How do heat pumps work?
Instead of generating heat from nothing like a furnace, heat pumps simply move heat from one place to another.
Because of this, they don’t have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
This recent DOE update on water heater efficiency standards will save Americans around $7.6 billion per year on energy and water heating bills. A big reason why? Heat pumps.
You can cut your heating and cooling energy usage by up to 50% by upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners.
They’ll cost more than a traditional HVAC system. But with energy savings and tax credits of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps… They pay for themselves quicker than you think.
Upgrade Your Windows to Be More Energy Efficient
Last but not least… Window upgrades.
Window replacement might not sound like the most exciting prospect. But energy-efficient windows can slash your energy bill by as much as 13%.
Homeowners in northern climates could save close to $500 per year by making the switch to Energy Star-certified windows.
Windows can also:
- Block outside noise for a more peaceful home
- Eliminate drafts that make your rooms feel uncomfortable
- Boost your home’s value since energy efficiency is a major selling point
Let’s be honest… Window replacement is a bigger investment than most of the other items on this list. That’s why it’s saved for last.
However, if you pair energy-efficient windows with upgraded insulation and a healthy water heater, your energy bills will plummet.
Wrapping It Up
If you want to spend less money on utilities every month…
These are the types of energy-efficient upgrades you should be considering.
Instead of throwing your money away, direct those funds into upgrades that’ll save you more money in the long run.
Remember…
Make energy-efficient upgrades that pay for themselves.
Start with:
- Water heater maintenance
- Insulation and air sealing
- Smart thermostats
- Heat pumps
- Windows
Not only will these energy-efficient upgrades pay for themselves. But once you combine them, they’ll continue saving you money on your energy bills for years to come.
Years of savings equal thousands of dollars back in your pocket.
Don’t wait any longer. Choose one home upgrade and take action.
See how much your energy bills decrease and then tackle the next project.
That’s how you build an energy-efficient home: one upgrade at a time.
