After your home energy audit by Sunny Bliss, you’ll be armed with a full report on where your home is losing energy, what’s inflating those energy bills, and the best energy efficiency measures for your situation. But what comes next? Here are some energy-efficient upgrades that pack a powerful punch without breaking the bank.
Smart Thermostats: Smarter Home, Bigger Savings
One of the first (and easiest!) upgrades to consider is a smart thermostat. This nifty device lets you control your heating and cooling systems from your phone, meaning you can adjust the temperature even when you’re away. Gone are the days of leaving the AC cranked up while you’re at work. Smart thermostats also “learn” your routines, automatically adjusting to reduce energy usage when you’re not home. With these small adjustments, you’ll see immediate savings on your electric bill and greater control over your home’s energy.
Energy Efficient Lighting: Brighten Up Without Burning Out
Old, energy-draining light bulbs could be driving up your electricity bills. Replacing them with LED lighting is an instant win. LED bulbs consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last 25 times longer.
With LED lights throughout your home, you’re reducing energy consumption and cutting down on maintenance since you won’t be changing bulbs as often. This simple switch can make a noticeable difference in your energy costs while giving your home a warm, inviting glow.
Air Sealing and Insulation: Lock in the Comfort, Lose the Drafts
If your blower door test identified significant air leakage, it’s time to seal things up! Air leaks around windows, doors, and even through tiny cracks in your walls can lead to serious heat loss in winter and make it harder to cool your home in the summer. Sealing these leaks keeps cold air in during the hotter months and warm air from escaping in winter. When paired with more insulation, your home will stay comfortable year-round, and you’ll save big on energy costs.
High-Efficiency Water Heaters: Hot Water on Demand, Not on Your Bill
Your water heater is one of the top energy consumers in your home. Switching to a high-efficiency water heater is a game-changer for both energy efficiency and your budget. High-efficiency units use less natural gas or electricity to provide hot water, and some models even offer tankless options that heat water only when you need it. This upgrade keeps your showers warm without the energy bill surprise.
Energy Star Appliances: Big Impact in Small Packages
Upgrading to Energy Star appliances isn’t just about buying new gadgets; it’s about optimizing how your home uses energy. From refrigerators to dishwashers and washing machines, Energy Star-certified appliances meet stringent standards for energy efficiency. They use significantly less energy and water compared to non-certified models, translating into substantial savings on electricity bills over time. Plus, these appliances often come with rebates and incentives, making the upfront investment more affordable.
Insulating and Sealing Ductwork: Air That Goes Where It’s Needed
If you have forced air systems, leaky ducts could be sending conditioned air into uninsulated spaces like the attic or crawl space. Properly insulating and sealing ducts directs cold air and heated air to the right places, making your home more comfortable and reducing wasted energy. By keeping the air contained, you’ll improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems and make your home an energy efficient zone.
Solar Panels: Power Your Home with the Sun
For those ready to make a bigger commitment to energy efficiency, solar panels are a fantastic option. Solar panels harness the sun’s energy to power your home, dramatically cutting down your electricity costs. While the upfront cost can be higher, tax credits and incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act make this a more affordable choice, with long-term savings that grow over time. Imagine watching your electric bill shrink each month thanks to your own renewable energy source.
Smart Power Strips: Stop Phantom Energy in Its Tracks
Did you know that some electronics continue to draw power even when they’re off? This “phantom energy” or “vampire power” can quietly drive up energy bills without you even realizing it. Enter smart power strips, which automatically cut off power to devices that aren’t in use. This small device can save energy without any extra effort on your part, making it one of the easiest energy efficiency upgrades you can make.
Windows and Doors: Energy Efficiency with a View
Windows and doors play a huge role in how well your home retains heat and stays cool. If your audit finds that they’re causing energy loss, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows or adding storm windows and weather stripping. Properly insulated doors can also make a noticeable difference. With improved windows and doors, you’ll minimize air leaks, making your home a cozier, more efficient haven.
Programmable Timers and Motion Sensors: Efficiency with a Push of a Button
Imagine lights that turn off when no one’s around or fans that only run when needed. Programmable timers and motion sensors are cost-effective, simple solutions that cut down on unnecessary energy usage. Install these in high-traffic areas or rooms you forget to turn off lights in (we’re looking at you, closets!), and you’ll keep energy consumption low without even thinking about it.
Attic and Basement Insulation: The Overlooked Energy Savers
If you want to make your home a truly energy efficient environment, don’t neglect more insulation in places like the attic and basement. Heat loves to escape through the roof in winter, and cool air can seep out through the basement in summer. By ensuring your attic and basement are well-insulated, you keep the temperature comfortable while cutting down on the energy needed to heat or cool the house.
Upgrading your home doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. With Sunny Bliss’s guidance, we’ll help you choose the right combination of energy efficient solutions that fit your home and budget. Every small step counts, and together, these adjustments can lead to massive energy savings, reduced electricity costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about turning your house into an energy-efficient masterpiece!