How to Invest in Efficiency Upgrades and Fight High Energy Costs

Energy costs can sometimes be hard to predict, as rates fluctuate and changing government policies bring on additional unexpected expenses. There’s no need to feel hopeless, though, because you can save money on energy bills by investing in efficiency upgrades for your home. With just a little bit of dedication, you can take control of your energy usage and make life easier for you and your wallet.

The Importance of Investing in Your Home

Properly investing in your home is essential in any context, but it can be especially helpful for fighting energy costs. Home appliances can become outdated over time, making them less valuable to your family and more taxing on your home’s energy systems. When you upgrade a part of your home to something more energy-efficient, it lessens your overall energy usage, resulting in a smaller energy bill and more money in your pocket.

Take the home quiz to find out how much energy—and money—your home is losing.

The Best Upgrades to Make First

If you’re hesitant about making significant changes to your home’s appliances, there are some smaller upgrades you can start with first. These will help your home’s energy efficiency one step at a time and help you save money on energy bills a little more each month.

LED Lighting

LED lighting has become accessible and affordable over the last few years, providing homeowners with an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. The main benefit of LED lighting is how long-lasting it is, so not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll save money on buying light bulbs as a whole.

Programmable Thermostats

Thermostats nowadays are highly sophisticated and computerized, with some capable of being controlled through wi-fi. This allows your heating and air conditioning to be programmed and adjusted at will, so you’re never left in a situation where the heat is left running when it shouldn’t be.

ENERGY STAR Appliances

Home appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers can use up a significant amount of energy each month. Still, many energy-efficient alternatives are available for those who want to make a change. ENERGY STAR appliances have been rated by the Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency, ensuring that they use as little energy as possible, and whatever they do use isn’t done wastefully.

From dishwashers to microwaves, many ENERGY STAR appliances can help you save money on energy bills each month.

Bigger Upgrades to Pursue in the Future

If you’re prepared to take greater control of your energy usage, some upgrades can dramatically increase your home’s energy efficiency. These upgrades are significant investments, and although they may be expensive upfront, you’ll see a substantial return on that investment as your energy bills get progressively smaller.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are a popular way to cut down on energy costs because they allow you to provide your own energy to your home using the sun's power. These panels can be affixed to your roof or placed in your yard, and with proper maintenance, they can last for up to 30 years. In the long term, solar panels will boost the value of your home.

HVAC

Your HVAC system can account for a significant amount of your energy costs each month, making it very important to have a system that’s up to date and energy-efficient. Newer furnaces and air conditioners use variable motors and slower fans to more efficiently warm or cool your home.

Heat pumps are an exciting technology that can both heat and cool your home. They are effective even in cold climates, and dramatically reduce heating and cooling expenses. And although it may take longer to see a return on investment, upgrading your HVAC system will make home life more comfortable and positively affect your bills in the long run.

Start Saving Money on Energy Bills Now

If you’ve wanted to save money on energy bills, there’s no better time to start than now. Upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances will significantly reduce the cost of your bills each month, and shifting to solar panels will make your house more energy independent and environmentally friendly. When it comes to making a more energy-efficient home for yourself, even the smallest changes matter.