4 Tips to Improve Your Home and Save on Your Energy Bill

By Deborah Laemmerhirt | October 2, 2019

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep your home running efficiently, not only to save money, but also to help the environment thrive. October 2nd is Energy Efficiency Day, a perfect time to think about making some key upgrades that will improve the efficiency of your home. If you’re looking to sell your house and increase the pool of potential buyers in your market, the upgrades below are truly a must.

According with Wallet Hub,

“In the U.S., energy costs eat between 5 and 22 percent of families’ total after-tax income.”

What should you spend on utilities?

Money Management says,

“If you’re working with a budget, and trust me, you should be, your utility costs should be no more than 8-10 percent of your monthly income.”

How can you make your home more efficient?

EnergyEfficiencyDay.Org provides some handy tips that can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. Here are a few simple ones to consider, and how to make them happen:

1. Make the Switch to LED

LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.

2. Seal Those Leaks

On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window.

Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.

3. Heat and Cool Efficiently

Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat and in colder weather schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep and increase when you are returning home or waking-up. In warm weather, schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are away or asleep, and lower it at other times.

Tip: Follow the U.S. Department of Energy recommended temperatures and be energy-efficient all year. 

4. Maintain Your HVAC System

Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm (or cool) and costing you more money.

Tip: Consider getting a winter tune-up. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can be vital to improve efficiency, saving you money and making your home more comfortable. 

Bottom Line

By making a few key upgrades to your home, you’ll save on your utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home. When you’re ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers. Contact a local real estate professional to learn what buyers are looking for when it comes to energy efficiency options in your area.

Posted in Featured

About Deborah Laemmerhirt

Let me assist you in finding everything you need to know about buying or selling a home! As the preeminent real estate professional in my community, I am dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground. Because the real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, you need a professional that understands the industry and is positioned to stay ahead of the game. I go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That’s why I constantly research the home, market and estate values so your home is priced effectively from day one. I also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative marketing techniques to attract potential buyers. As an Internet-savvy real estate representative in Connecticut, I’ve had the opportunity to help many home buyers find their ideal homes and many sellers obtain top dollar for their homes. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people ever undertake, so I will help you through every step of the process. My goal is to make your home selling or buying experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. My services include: Explaining the home selling and buying process thoroughly Diligently selecting homes that meets your criteria Pricing your home correctly and implementing a unique yet proven marketing plan Negotiating on your behalf Tracking the closing process to ensure a smooth transaction I welcome the opportunity to address any questions you might have about buying, selling or current market conditions. Please call or e-mail me any time, and I will be happy to discuss your next steps in the buying or selling process. I specialize in both Residential and Commercial Properties. I also head a Real Estate Group to provide you with expert service and support. Areas of Expertise Making transitions in your life is challenging. You may be moving from out of town, a different state, internationally or just next door! Regardless of the distance I am prepared to respond to your unique needs.If you are a BUYER looking to downsize, up-size, want a new construction, desire a condominium, to invest, even if this is your first home, I will design a unique plan to fulfill your needs in a reasonable time frame, with the best negotiated price and the least amount of inconvenience.For my Home Sellers, I have an innovative marketing plan that will leave nothing to chance. Just call, and I would be happy to share the DIFFERENT and SUCCESSFUL TOOLS I utilize on each of my listings. I have lived in Connecticut for over 35 years. I practice Real Estate in Fairfield County, New Haven County and Litchfield County. This includes, but is not limited to Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Oxford, Ridgefield, Redding, Roxbury, Sherman, Southbury, Warren, Washington, Westport and Wilton.