Energy-Efficient Home Improvements: What to Consider

Going green isn’t just a trend – it’s an important philosophy that practically every homeowner should embrace. After all, the more energy efficient you make your home, the more comfortable it will be for your family, the higher your home's resale value will be later down the road, and the more money you'll save on your energy bill. Who doesn't want to save a bit of cash every month?

But if you’re like many Port City homeowners, you might not know which energy-efficient home improvements will give you the best bang for your buck. Let’s take a closer look.

Improve home insulation

Your first step to improve energy efficiency in your home should be to refresh your home’s insulation. Odds are good that it’s high time for this upgrade – according to energy.gov, 90% of American homes are currently under-insulated, meaning their walls don’t have enough insulating material to keep warm air inside throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Insulating your home, particularly vulnerable areas like your attic, will do wonders for keeping you comfortable and cozy all through the cold months. Plus, it’ll make it harder for critters, like mice and other pests, to make nests in the walls.

Switch to a heat pump water heater

Your Port City home might already have plenty of hot water, but is its water heater energy efficient? If you aren't using a heat pump water heater, the answer is probably no.

A heat pump water heater leverages electricity to move heat to different water reservoirs instead of generating heat itself. Thanks to this design, heat pump water heaters are much more energy-efficient compared to conventional or “electric resistance” water heaters.

Heat pump water heaters are relatively inexpensive upgrades to your property, but they could yield energy savings multiple times their prices over their lifespans. If you’re a fan of hot showers in the coldest part of the year, don’t skip this energy-efficient home improvement!

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances

Your home’s appliances, like your dishwasher and washing machine, might use a lot of electricity if they aren’t ENERGY STAR-certified. Take a look at your appliances’ labels on the front or back and try to spot the ENERGY STAR sticker. If you don’t see it, then it’s the perfect time for an energy-efficient home upgrade.

ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can save you hundreds of dollars per year, plus they are great investments for everyday use. After all, if you use an appliance every day, it only makes sense to ensure it’s as energy-efficient and effective as possible.

Update your HVAC system

The HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home warm in the fall and winter and cool in the summer. But if it’s old, dusty, or just hasn’t been maintained in a while, it might take a higher toll on your utility bill than you think.

You can schedule an energy efficiency consultation with local HVAC contractors and have them look at your HVAC system. In a matter of hours, they'll be able to recommend different upgrades or improvements you can make to the system.

Again, this energy-efficient home upgrade is good not just for the money you'll save but also for the improvements you'll experience to your everyday comfort. No one likes turning the heater on only to have to wait for an hour or more for their house to warm up!

Seal up drafty doors and windows

Drafty doors and windows are major weak points where heated air can escape outside. If you walk by any windows or doors in your Port City property and notice a draft, it’s time to break out the caulking gun and weatherstripping.

Plug up any gaps or holes in drafty doors and windows, and you’ll see an immediate improvement in the warmth of a given room. In the long run, this simple, cost-effective fix can also save you significantly in terms of monthly energy charges.

Replace old windows with energy-efficient windows

Sometimes, though, drafty windows are simply too old, worn down, or warped to be effectively sealed. When that happens, it might be wise to replace those older windows with energy-efficient windows.

Energy-efficient windows are usually constructed of two or three panes of glass and filled with an insulating gas. Combined, these design elements ensure that energy-efficient windows prevent heat from easily transferring through them in either direction. The result? A warmer house in the fall and a cooler home in the summer.

Swap out old light bulbs with LED bulbs

As the days get darker, the people in your household probably keep the lights on more frequently. But all those bulbs can drain a ton of power from the local grid. You can do your part for the environment and save money by replacing old light bulbs with LED alternatives.

LED or light-emitting diode bulbs often have lifespans of up to 50,000 hours. Not only do they improve energy efficiency in homes compared to incandescent bulbs, but they are also more cost effective in the long run since you’ll have to replace them less frequently. Replacing old bulbs with LEDs is easy and affordable, so this energy-efficient home improvement should be on your list of priorities.

Install solar panels

Solar panels cost a bit of cash up front, but they are one of the most important and economical energy-efficient home upgrades overall. They can increase your home value, so you'll be able to sell it for more money if you choose, and they eventually pay for themselves by reducing or even outright eliminating the amount of electricity you draw from the power grid.

Plus, solar panel investments may help you qualify for certain tax credits on your tax return. If you want to double down on energy efficiency and enjoy energy freedom, solar panels are some of the best home improvements, bar none.

Use a smart thermostat

All the above-mentioned energy-efficient home improvements won’t be as effective if you don’t use them smartly. Smart thermostats help you regulate the temperature in your Port City house easier than ever, and many of them integrate with smart home systems and apps.

For example, a smart thermostat lets you remotely set the temperature and lock it to stop the kids from turning it up or down when you aren't looking. Or you can use a smart thermostat to turn the temperature down when you and your family are away on vacation, then turn it back up an hour before you return home so it's warm and welcoming when you walk through the door. The possibilities are limitless.

All told, there are many ways you can improve your home for greater energy efficiency, especially when you partner with the experts at Window World of the Port City. Our knowledgeable specialists can help you, for example, find new energy-efficient doors and windows, boosting your home’s curb appeal, resale value, and energy efficiency all at the same time. Why wait? Get in touch today to learn more!