Home upgrades to save on electricity

Written By Plank Operations

Depending on what area you live, your electric bill will fluctuate throughout the year. Some areas see more of a spike in prices during summer, while many areas will see a huge price increase during the cold winter months.

Upgrading your home to save on electricity can reduce your energy bills and minimize your environmental impact. Here are some effective upgrades you can consider:

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

  • LED Bulbs: Swap out incandescent and CFL bulbs for LED lights, which use less energy and last much longer. Efficiency Matters: While energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs use less electricity, leaving lights on unnecessarily still wastes energy. It's important to make sure you're not using power when it’s not required.

  • Energy-Efficient HVAC: Upgrade to a high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC), or consider a smart thermostat to optimize energy usage.

  • Energy-Efficient Water Heater: Choose a heat pump water heater or tankless model to reduce energy consumption.

  • Energy Star Appliances: Replace old appliances (fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.) with Energy Star-rated models.

2. Insulate and Seal Your Home

  • Insulation: Proper insulation in attics, walls, and basements keeps the temperature stable and reduces heating and cooling needs.

  • Seal Drafts: Weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent drafts and air leaks. Consider adding caulk around windows and doors, and sealing ducts to prevent air loss.

3. Upgrade Windows

  • Energy-Efficient Windows: If possible, invest in double-pane or Low-E windows that help keep the temperature inside your home consistent, reducing the load on your HVAC system. Double-glazed or low-emissivity (Low-E) windows can reduce heat loss in winter and keep the house cooler in summer.

  • Window Coverings: During the summer, use shades or curtains to block the sun’s heat, and in winter, open them during the day to let in natural warmth. Use heavy curtains at night to prevent heat loss.

4. Smart Power Strips

  • Smart Power Strips: These help eliminate "phantom" energy usage by cutting power to electronics when they are not in use.

5. Roofing Upgrades

  • Reflective Roofing: Cool roofing materials reflect sunlight and can help reduce the need for air conditioning during the summer.

  • Green Roofs: If you live in a particularly hot area, consider a green roof, which has plants to help absorb heat and lower indoor temperatures.

6. Energy-Efficient Landscaping

  • Shade Trees: Plant trees strategically around your home to provide shade and reduce the amount of heat that enters your home during summer months.

  • Green Roofs or Walls: Adding greenery or plants that insulate the home from external temperatures.

7.HVAC Maintenance

  • Change Air Filters: Dirty air filters reduce airflow and make your HVAC system work harder. Replace or clean your filters every 1–3 months to maintain efficiency. Using high-efficiency filters can improve airflow and reduce the strain on your heating and cooling system.

  • Clean vents: Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils can collect dirt and dust. Clean them annually to ensure they can efficiently exchange heat. Make sure vents and ducts are also clear of obstructions.

  • Schedule a yearly HVAC inspection: At least once a year, you should schedule with a professional to check for any issues and ensure your system is running efficiently. This can prevent expensive repairs and improve the lifespan of your system.

  • Energy-Efficient Units: If your HVAC system is outdated, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model. Look for systems with the Energy Star label, which guarantees better energy efficiency.

  • Set Temperatures Wisely: In the winter, aim to keep your thermostat at 68°F (20°C) during the day and lower it at night or when you're away. In summer, try setting it at 78°F (25-26°C) when you're home and higher when you're not.

  • Programmable Thermostat: A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly, ensuring that your heating and cooling systems aren’t working when they don’t need to be.

8. Consider Alternative Heating and Cooling Options

  • Space Heaters and Fans: In some cases, using a space heater or fans can be more efficient than running your HVAC system for small areas. If you're in one room, using a space heater can keep you comfortable without heating the whole house.

  • Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. They transfer heat instead of generating it, which uses less energy. Some heat pumps work well for both heating and cooling, especially in moderate climates.

9. Monitor and Adjust Energy Usage

  • Energy Monitoring: Some smart thermostats and energy monitoring devices allow you to track your home’s energy use, so you can see how much your HVAC system is contributing to your energy bills and make adjustments accordingly.

  • Energy Audits: Consider having an energy audit done on your home. A professional can identify areas where you’re losing energy and suggest improvements to optimize your HVAC system and reduce waste.

By incorporating a combination of these strategies, you can significantly lower your energy consumption, cut down on electricity costs, and improve your home's environmental footprint.

More information on how to save on electricity:

US Department of energy- https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips

IGS energy- https://www.igs.com/energy-resource-center/energy-101/how-do-i-conserve-energy-at-home

National Grid- https://www.nationalgrid.com/winter/tips-for-saving-energy-this-winter

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