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Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Want to stop wasting money each month?
Many homeowners are literally paying too much every month to keep their homes comfortable.
The worst part is….it doesn’t have to be this way. Solutions are often simple and inexpensive.
Not to mention…many of these solutions start saving you money almost immediately.
The good news?
Not only do energy-efficient upgrades help save the planet, but they also save you money. And many of them pay for themselves MUCH quicker than you think.
Let’s dig in…
You’ll learn:
- Reasons why energy efficiency is worth it
- Cooling system maintenance tips that save money
- Best home upgrades that’ll pay for themselves
- Smart upgrades that’ll save you money day by day
Why Energy Efficiency Is Worth It
Let’s start with a hard fact…
According to ENERGY STAR, your heating and cooling system alone accounts for almost HALF of your energy bill.
That means half of what you pay each month is going towards making your house comfortable.
Even worse… poorly insulated homes with older HVAC equipment use even more money each month. But that extra money can be avoided with the right energy-efficient upgrades.
Think about that for a second.
If nearly half of your energy bill goes towards heating and cooling costs… Improving your energy efficiency by even a few percent could equal hundreds of dollars of savings each year.
Take that over 5 or even 10 years, and you’re talking about big money that you can save by simply keeping up with maintenance and making a few upgrades.
That’s why starting with your cooling system maintenance and any needed equipment upgrades is key.
Partnering with an experienced commercial HVAC company ensures your system is running smoothly and not wasting energy every month.
The Best Home Upgrades That Pay For Themselves
Believe it or not, some upgrades are better than others. While all will create a return on your investment, some take far less time than others. Here are a few of the quickest…
Upgrade Your Equipment
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Old HVAC equipment is like driving a car with half the engine missing. It still works…but it’s not very efficient and burns through fuel like crazy.
ENERGY STAR-approved systems use significantly less energy to heat and cool your home.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy states that upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system can reduce your heating and cooling energy consumption by HALF.
And when installed correctly and maintained routinely, these systems will last longer while performing better year after year.
Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork
While we’re on the topic of your cooling system….
Ill-fitting ductwork is one of the biggest energy drains in homes. Air escapes before it even makes it to the rooms that need it most. By sealing and insulating your ducts, you could see system efficiency increases of up to 20%.
And because this upgrade can be done in conjunction with an equipment upgrade, it’s a piece of cake.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows are another great way to shave dollars off of your monthly utility bills.
By swapping out old, single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR-approved products, you could lower your monthly energy bills by 13%.
But wait, there’s more…
Not only will you save money on your monthly bill, but energy-efficient windows also add value to your home. On average, homeowners recoup 78% of their investment when they sell their home.
Install Proper Insulation
This may not be the most glamorous upgrade, but it’s effective.
Air leaks and insufficient insulation in walls, attics, and floors can account for up to 10% of annual energy bills.
Sealing leaks and adding insulation where necessary reduces the demand on heating and cooling equipment. Which means your system won’t work as hard and you’ll spend less money on utilities.
How Cooling System Maintenance Can Save You Money
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably ignore your cooling system until something breaks.
And while regular maintenance does help to prevent unnecessary breakdowns, it also plays a huge role in how much energy your system uses.
Two of the leading causes of cooling system failure and inefficiency are dirt and neglect.
Regular maintenance includes:
- Swapping out air filters monthly when in heavy-use seasons
- Having a professional tune-up done each spring before the cooling season begins
- Cleaning the outdoor unit and removing debris
- Checking refrigerant levels and ductwork
A simple, dirty air filter can make your system work twice as hard to keep you cool. Meaning more energy wasted and more money spent on your monthly energy bills.
By staying on top of maintenance, you’ll ensure your system is running efficiently and save yourself from premature and expensive replacement.
Want to save even more?
Upgrade your thermostat. By installing a programmable thermostat or one of the new smart thermostats, you could save around $100 per year by merely adjusting temps when no one is home.
Smart Home Upgrades That’ll Save You Money
Okay, so these aren’t “maintenance” upgrades. But they’re worth considering…
Smart home technology isn’t just a fad. In many cases, smart home upgrades help you reduce energy wasted and can pay for themselves over time.
Here are the best upgrades to consider:
Smart thermostats – These adjust temps automatically by learning your schedule and temperature preferences. They adjust heating and cooling based on when you’re home and even when you’re sleeping.
Smart power strips – Smart power strips cut down on phantom energy that’s wasted by electronics when they’re not in use. Best part? It’s an inexpensive upgrade that you’ll actually notice.
LED lightbulbs – LED lighting uses 75% less energy than standard lighting and lasts WAY longer. Talk about a twofer!
These upgrades may be small, but that’s why they’re so easy to start with. Improve your home’s energy efficiency with these small upgrades and watch the savings add up when you pair them with bigger projects.
Wrap-Up
Making your home more energy efficient is an investment. But unlike other investments, you can start seeing (and feeling) a return almost immediately.
Here’s your Cliff Notes:
- Upgrade your HVAC equipment to drastically cut heating and cooling costs
- Seal ductwork to prevent loss of heated and cooled air
- Replace old windows to increase energy efficiency AND home value
- Stay on top of cooling system maintenance to prevent energy waste and breakdowns
- Upgrade to smart home technology to save money every day
You’ll save the most money by focusing on your heating and cooling system. That’s where most of your money goes each month. Make it more efficient and watch the savings roll in.
Start by hiring a professional to perform an energy audit on your home. They will help you identify where you can make the biggest improvements.
From there, make upgrades one at a time and watch those savings grow year after year.
Not only will energy-efficient upgrades save you money, but they’ll also make you money should you decide to sell your home. Don’t wait any longer. Start making improvements to your home today!