5 Home Upgrades for Energy Efficiency that You’ve Overlooked

Improving the energy efficiency of a home may seem straightforward, but many factors are easily overlooked. Whether you’re a home designer, decorator or an everyday homeowner looking to save a bit of cash, there are plenty of simple improvements that can make a huge difference. From hidden gaps in insulation that allow heat to escape to inefficient, high-energy light bulbs, energy loss can occur in many unnoticed ways. Addressing these issues can help reduce bills.

These simple fixes can dramatically increase the comfort and longevity of a home, too. Learn more about the home upgrades for energy efficiency that you may have overlooked.

1.   Invest in Solar Panels Through a Solar Co-Op

Solar panels are one of the most popular renewable energy methods for households. With 97% of all solar installations in the United States being on residential rooftops, it’s an easy fix to reduce your energy bills while also helping save the planet.

One of the major hurdles for solar panel installation is the price. They’re expensive to install, especially if you have a large home. Fortunately, there are alternatives to overcome this.

Joining a solar co-op or group, for instance, is a cheaper way to install solar panels and upgrade your home for energy efficiency. These work by allowing groups of neighbors to purchase solar panels collectively at a low price through bulk buying discounts.

2.   Use Smart Tech and Appliance Efficiency Upgrades

When you want to improve energy efficiency in your home, consider upgrading the technology inside it. A smart thermostat is arguably the most common and easiest way to reduce the amount of energy your home consumes. In the U.S., 72% of all electric meter installations were smart meters, but the benefits are still overlooked by many.

These handy devices are quick to install and can help you save money on your annual heating and cooling costs immediately. They work by monitoring your schedule and automatically learning your preferences, adjusting heating and cooling when you need it most. Smart thermostats also allow control from your smartphone, meaning you can adjust your power consumption on the go.

3.   Install Energy-Efficient Windows and External Doors

Installing modern, insulating windows is another powerful way to save energy in your household, and it’s a factor that’s often overlooked. You may have the greatest heating and cooling products on the market, equipped with state-of-the-art smart meters, but if your home is unable to keep heat in or out, they’re useless.

That’s why it’s essential to invest in double-glazed or gas-filled windows, which significantly enhance energy efficiency. The same applies to external doors. Correctly installed and ENERGY STAR-rated doors can lower utility bills by up to 15%, as they’re engineered to minimize heat loss and drafts. Ensure you consult a specialist, as they can help you choose the right products for your home.

4.   Swap to ENERGY STAR-Rated LED Bulbs

For greater energy efficiency in lighting, you can switch to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Not only do they save electricity, but they save you money in the long run, too. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

5.   Make Use of Sensors for Lights in High-Traffic Areas

Forgetting to turn off the lights is an easy mistake to make, especially if you’re leaving the house in a rush. However, it’s a costly error that eats into your energy bill and can accumulate if you make it multiple times throughout the year. That’s where motion sensors can come in handy.

Attaching motion sensors to lights in high-traffic areas like closets and bathrooms can make a significant difference in your energy efficiency. They can be easily paired with LED bulbs, too, maximising the amount of energy you save with minimal up-front costs.

Small Changes Mean Big Energy Savings

While making energy-efficient changes in your home may seem like a mammoth undertaking, when you break it down, it can be pretty simple. Whether you’re crafting a design or simply looking to improve your home, these overlooked steps can help reduce bills and save the planet. Some may require up-front spending, but the investment will save you money in the long run.