Key Tips for Saving Money While Being Energy-Efficient

In most cases, a focus on energy efficiency results in money savings. Some energy-efficient household options cost a bit more on the front end but result in long-term savings, such as installing a metal roof. A typical roof lasts between 25 and 50 years, according to Roofers Guild. During that time, you reap the benefits of its energy efficiency, and the savings repay you for the upfront costs.

Update Your Thermostat

According to Gitnux, about 90% of U.S. households feature an air conditioning system. Update the thermostat connected to yours to a smart thermostat. These smart devices let you program when the air conditioning runs, at what temperature, and for how long. A mobile app lets you control the device from anywhere, so you can cancel a program cycle if your plans change, and you won’t go home at the typical time.

Leverage the Power of Free Inspections

In most areas of the U.S., professional services, such as roofers, plumbers, and electricians, offer free inspections or estimates. Those inspections can save you money by spotting damage, leaks, and fire hazards. For example, every year, U.S. households lose about 1 trillion gallons of water because of household leaks, according to the Nevada Irrigation District (NID).

Let Nature Help You

During the day, open your home’s drapes to let in natural light into your home office or rooms where children study. Close the drapes in rooms that overheat so you don’t need to run the air conditioning on high. Install window screens and let the breeze cool your home by opening the windows.

Conduct Regular Maintenance

Some of the smallest maintenance tasks mean the most around the home. Replace your heat, ventilation, and air conditioning system’s air filter each month. This small task helps it run more efficiently and provides you with cleaner indoor air.

Reduce High Energy Tasks

Wash the family laundry using cold water. It saves money and energy and helps clothing last longer. Instead of using a dryer, hang clothes to dry on a clothesline. Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to take months or a major renovation either. Switch to CFL or LED light bulbs to light your home for a few cents per day per bulb. Install smart light switches, including motion sensor lights outside.

Seasonal Updates

When seasons change, items that go out of use, such as window air conditioners, need winterizing. Cover an AC that you leave in the window to block drafts. When winter ends, close the chimney flue. Replace a dryer vent flap that no longer closes to prevent drafts from entering your home.

Upgrade Appliances

Every home needs new appliances eventually, so switch to Energy Star-rated appliances when your incumbents wear out. Most appliances last 15 years before needing replacement. When you update your HVAC, consider switching to ductless mini splits.

Watch for Drafts and Air Leaks

Check doors and windows for drafts, then caulk any drafts. Add insulation to your attic, crawlspace, walls, and ducts. These activities cost little upfront but result in instant and lasting savings.

A home’s entry points – its doors and windows – need updating, too. If caulking a drafty window doesn’t fix the problem, reglaze or replace the window. Entry doors last about 20 years. Replace it sooner if you notice cracks, or it won’t hang level.

Start creating a more energy-efficient home that saves you money by switching to better bulbs and smart switches. Make changes to your routine, such as washing clothes in cold water. Update appliances and entry points on a rolling basis to spread out the upfront costs. A few simple changes can result in big savings.