Ever wish you could use less energy to do the same job? You may not be able to, but your home can. There are certain steps you can take to make your house more energy-efficient to reduce costs and waste. 

Technological innovation has made it easier than ever to reduce power usage and live a more sustainable life. Here are some tips for making your house energy-efficient, whether you spend a little or a lot.

1. Turn Down Your Thermostat

A quick and cost-effective way to make your house more energy-efficient is by turning down your thermostat. There’s no point in having the heat turned up when you’re not at home. Drop the temperature by a few degrees, and you’ll save energy and money on heating bills. 

If you’re not the best at remembering to turn down the thermostat every day, you can opt for a programmable version. You can control these from your phone or program them to turn down the temperature during certain hours. 

2. Seal Windows and Entryways

You don’t want warm or cool air escaping in the dead of winter or the midst of summer. If you feel drafts in your home, you might want to check your windows and doors for minute gaps that could be letting air in and out. 

You can simply add weatherstripping or caulk around window and door frames to prevent wasted energy.

3. Get Rid of Incandescent Lightbulbs

Upgrading your lightbulbs from incandescent to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is another inexpensive way to make your home energy-efficient. LEDs are longer lasting and do not require as much energy usage. 

LED lightbulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent and last 25% longer. Over the years, that means you would save a ton of money and power.

Another great option is to use renewable light fixtures for your exterior. The market now has a variety of solar lamps and lights that will fit any type of home. Aside from saving you a few bucks on the electricity bill, you’ll be doing the environment some good too.

4. Insulate Your Garage

Don’t forget your garage when making your house more energy-efficient. In the typical U.S. home, 50% of home energy goes toward heating and cooling. If you heat or cool your garage and have ineffective or zero insulation, that’s like using a space heater outside in a snowstorm. 

You should consider adding insulation to your garage to lower energy consumption and costs. An insulated garage door can reduce your energy usage by 71%. 

5. Install Renewable Energy Sources

Whether it’s solar panels or a wind turbine, installing a renewable energy source can boost efficiency and save a lot of money in the long run. The savings over the years make up for the initial cost.

You can add solar panels to your roof or a wind turbine to your backyard. You will no longer have to rely on the energy grid for power and can use what you need. 

6. Save on Water in the Bathroom

Save water and energy in the bathroom by making a few upgrades. One way to do this is by installing an efficient showerhead. Average models use about 2.5 gallons of water every minute, while an efficient one uses around 2 gallons per minute. 

You can also conserve water in your toilet. Graywater systems use the water from sinks and showers, leading to savings. 

7. Swap Appliances for Energy Star Products

Although it’s unrealistic to swap out every single one of your appliances for newer, energy-efficient ones, you can start with one. Go for major items like an oven or washing machine. This will make your house energy-efficient. Energy Star products meet conservation regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

You’ll save money on electric bills by making the switch, and the appliances will do the same work with less energy. 

8. Use Natural Lighting

Instead of turning on the light switch, open your curtains and blinds. Letting in natural sunlight throughout the day gives you a boost of energy, and it cuts back on your home’s energy usage. 

One way to let in even more light is by adding additional windows throughout your home. Plus, the sun can help warm your house on colder winter days.  

Save on Energy and Costs

Use these tips to make your home more energy-efficient than ever. You’ll help the environment and notice a decrease in your energy bills. What more could you want?

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison