In a world where environmental issues are on everyone's radar, let's talk about ways to save energy in your home. It's good for the planet and can help you keep more money in your wallet as a homeowner.

This blog covers easy, practical ways to make your home more energy efficient. Whether it's small lifestyle changes or bigger energy-efficient upgrades, these tips can help you use less energy, save on bills, and do your part for a greener future.

Summary:

• Conduct a Home Energy Audit
• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR^® Certified Appliances
• Consider High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems
• Improve Home Insulation
• Install an Energy-Efficient Thermostat
• Seal Air Leaks and Drafts
• Consider Energy-Efficient Lighting
• Optimize Water Heating Efficiency
• Create Energy-Saving Habits
• Stay Informed and Engage in Energy-Efficiency Programs
• Conclusion

1. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

One of our first energy-saving suggestions is to get a feel for how much energy you’re saving or losing by doing a home energy assessment. You can perform a DIY home energy audit by examining insulation, checking for air leaks, evaluating heating and cooling systems, and analyzing your energy usage habits. Alternatively, you can hire a professional auditor with specialized tools to conduct a thorough inspection and offer detailed recommendations. One option for finding an auditor includes looking for a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS^®) Index rater. 

2. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR^® Certified Appliances

Improve your home performance with ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances. Switching to ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances enhances energy efficiency in your home. ENERGY STAR^® certification indicates that an appliance meets strict energy-efficiency criteria, resulting in overall cost savings and environmental benefits. ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances are available for several household needs, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. When purchasing an appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR^® label and consider factors such as lifecycle costs and available rebates or incentives. You might also be interested in exploring new construction homes from a builder who is an ENERGY STAR^® partner, such as Pulte^®.

3. Consider High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems

Efficient home heating and cooling systems can make a big difference in reducing energy consumption and saving money. Heat pumps and programmable energy-saving thermostats are popular choices, offering improved energy efficiency and personalized temperature control. Many utility companies offer rebates and incentives for installing these systems, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners.

4. Improve Home Insulation

Energy-efficient insulation is a barrier against heat transfer, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and minimize energy loss. DIY efforts like sealing gaps and installing insulation batts can boost energy insulation, or homeowners can opt for professional insulation services for more comprehensive solutions. Improving your insulation is one of the best energy-efficient home improvements to make.

5. Install an Energy-Efficient Thermostat

An energy-efficient thermostat is one of the most simple yet effective ways to optimize your home's heating and cooling systems for energy savings and comfort. These thermostats regulate temperature settings more efficiently than traditional ones, automatically adjusting based on your schedule and preferences. A programmable ENERGY STAR^® certified thermostat allows you to set temperature schedules for different times of the day or week. An ENERGY STAR^® certified smart thermostat offers advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control through your smartphone. To maximize energy savings, set temperature schedules that align with your daily routines, take advantage of energy-saving features, and monitor and adjust settings as needed.

6. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts

Air leaks and drafts in your home allow conditioned air to escape and outside air to infiltrate, causing your HVAC systems to work harder and consume more energy. Common areas for leaks include windows, doors, baseboards, electrical outlets, and gaps in walls or floors. You can seal these leaks yourself using caulking, weatherstripping, and insulation. Addressing air leaks is not only one of the best winter energy-saving tips, but it can help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, reduce energy waste, and enhance your home's overall comfort and sustainability.

7. Consider Energy-Efficient Lighting

As one of the many ways you can save energy at home, switching to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED or CFL bulbs, can help reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills. These bulbs consume less energy, last longer, and produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Look for ENERGY STAR^® certified fixtures for even greater efficiency. Consider brightness, color temperature, and dimmable light when choosing bulbs to suit your needs and preferences.

8. Optimize Water Heating Efficiency

Taking shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, and using cold water for laundry are some of the best ways to save energy and significantly reduce hot water usage. Consider energy-efficient heating options like tankless water heaters or heat pump water heaters, which offer lower energy consumption than traditional systems.

9. Create Energy-Saving Habits

Energy conservation at home begins with you. Small changes in your daily habits can have a big impact on energy consumption and sustainability. By adopting energy-saving practices, you can lower utility bills, conserve valuable resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are several simple yet effective ways to save energy at home by creating new habits:

• Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy usage.
• Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use to prevent standby power consumption.
• Use energy-efficient settings on appliances and electronics, such as power-saving modes and timers.
• Take advantage of natural daylight by opening curtains or blinds instead of relying on artificial lighting.

10. Stay Informed and Engage in Energy-Efficiency Programs

Many utility companies and government agencies offer energy-efficiency programs and incentives, encouraging homeowners to adopt energy-saving measures. These programs may include rebates, incentives, and financing options for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, installing renewable energy systems, and more.

Conclusion

From conducting a simple home energy audit to switching to energy-efficient appliances, there are many ways to help save energy in a house. With these home energy-efficiency tips, you’ll save on energy bills and be doing your part to help reduce energy consumption and create a better environment for everyone. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet!

Explore new construction homes today or browse more Pulte^® blogs.

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 8/8/24