Think back to the ways you improved your home’s energy efficiency last year? Perhaps you haven’t thought about improvements or it’s been something you’ve been meaning to do. According to research conducted by Shelton Group, consumers average fewer than three improvements compared to up to five improvements in previous years. Let’s make some plans to knock down your energy costs and put some dollars back into your pocket.

HVAC vs. Appliances

It used to be the costs related to heating and cooling your home were the highest costing utility bills. This is no longer true. In today’s homes we have many more appliances, electronics, water heating, and lighting which taps into a home’s energy usage. Think about how often your family leaves a room with the ceiling fan running, lights on, a computer running, or the AC on high. Yes, these actions are typical in many homes. We do these things without giving it much thought because we don’t see the energy bill until a month later.

Energy Efficiency and Building Codes

The building code standards regularly change and improve. Homes built less than 30 years ago (considered a newer home) may find themselves less energy efficient as newer codes are introduced. If the homeowner doesn’t keep up with the improved energy efficiency options coming out on the market, the home probably isn’t saving as much as it could.

Justifying the Cost for Improvement

Did you know the average savings from energy efficiency improvements can range from 20-30%? That’s a sizable reduction when you consider this amount over the long-term. According to Energy Star, replacing double-pane windows with new energy efficient windows for between $9,000 to $12,000 could save between $27 to $111 a year on the energy bill. Additionally, during tax season mention home improvements to your tax preparer and save the receipts for your improvements. Some types of improvements are eligible for a tax credit. That’s a double bonus—savings on your energy bill plus savings from a tax credit.

Impactful DIY Projects any Homeowner Can Tackle

Small efforts can have big savings. Use this checklist to see where you’ve been letting money flow out of your home.

1. Seal air leaks. Use caulk to seal gaps allowing air to escape. Look for gaps around plumbing lines, electric wires, recessed lighting, windows, crawlspaces, attics, around doorways. If the gap is sizeable you may need insulation instead of a bit of caulk to fill the space.
2. HVAC preventative maintenance and sealed ductwork. Regular care of your HVAC is essential. Hire a pro and while they are in your home ask them to check for any leaks around the ductwork.
3. Set your water heater temp to 120. Often water heaters are set up for 140 but reducing this temp by 20 degrees delivers huge savings and the temperature difference won’t be noticeable for users. Additionally, consider wrapping older heaters and pipes with insulating material to reduce heat loss.
4. Program your thermostat. If you set the temp once and forget about it, you’re wasting money. While you sleep go ahead and reduce the temp a few degrees. Using a programmed thermostat can automatically take care of this adjustment and increase the temp just before wake-up time. Having this task automated frees you up to focus on other things in the household.
5. Make the switch to LED light bulbs. According to Energy Star rated models, the average savings from replacing your five most used bulbs to LED is $75 per year. Think how much can be saved when you replace all of the bulbs throughout the home!

For more ideas of how to save and make your home more energy efficient I encourage you to reach out to your utility provider. Many providers have resources on their website and some are happy to send your energy savings packages with products to use around your home.

It’s my pleasure to answer your questions and help you find a home with many efficiencies in place. If you’re thinking of listing and would like to discuss home improvements to make your listing more attractive, let’s talk.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers every year and was the #1 Top Producing agent in 2019 citywide. Sara is an American Dream TV Power Player who shares Houston real estate news with television viewers. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.