A comfortable home is a sanctuary for the homeowner. Yet, this comfort often comes at a cost to your wallet and the environment due to the substantial amount of energy homes consume. So, with rising utility costs and more awareness around environmental issues, there’s never been a better time to be proactive about energy efficiency!

Lee Company tirelessly works to help homeowners create comfortable and eco-friendly spaces. We’ve gathered several practical energy-saving tips for any homeowner so you can get started reducing your bills and carbon footprint right away! From nifty do-it-yourself tricks to high-tech solutions, we’ve got the tools to transform your home into an energy-efficient haven without compromising on comfort.

Understanding Your Energy Footprint

Every appliance you plug in, every light you switch on, and every degree you bump your thermostat up account for a piece of your energy usage. Understanding where your energy goes is the first step in reducing energy consumption. An excellent way to start is by conducting an energy audit.

An energy audit involves assessing your home’s energy use patterns and identifying areas where you can save energy. You can either conduct a DIY audit (we’ll help you with this below!) or hire a professional auditor who will use advanced tools to pinpoint the inefficiencies in your home more accurately.

Once you’ve identified the problem areas, developing an energy-saving plan that works for your household becomes easier. This might involve making simple changes like turning off lights when not in use or investing in more efficient appliances.

Benefits of Reducing Your Energy Usage

Have you ever opened your energy bill and felt your stomach drop? This is the number one reason most homeowners look for ways to reduce their energy consumption — lower bills!

Americans spend an average of $429.33 per month on utility bills, with this figure showing a consistent upward trend. So, who wouldn’t want to save a few bucks on their monthly bills?

But beyond the financial benefits, reducing your energy usage also has a positive impact on the environment. Residential energy consumption accounts for 20% of the nation’s total energy consumption.

By using less energy in our homes, we can collectively reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing towards a more sustainable future.

How to Conduct a DIY Energy Audit

If it seems like the cost of your bills is constantly climbing, you’re not alone. Many homeowners share this frustration, especially when they can’t pinpoint what’s driving up their costs.

Here’s how you can conduct a basic energy audit in two easy steps to better understand your home’s energy usage:

Step 1: Compare Your Energy Bills

Start by gathering your energy bills from the past two years. Notice any trends? Do certain months spike due to heating or cooling needs or more water usage?

This comparison can reveal a lot about your home’s energy efficiency—or lack thereof.

Surprisingly, heating and cooling alone can account for about half of a typical home’s energy use, so pay close attention to these trends.

Step 2: Do a Walkthrough of Your Home

Next, take a walk through your home with a critical eye.

• Check for drafts around windows and doors. These are a common culprit for energy loss, wasting up to 30% of your home’s total energy.
• Examine your heating and cooling equipment for age and maintenance. Poorly maintained systems or units over 10 years old could be 20-40% less efficient than newer models.
• Look at all light fixtures and note the types of bulbs being used. Traditional incandescent bulbs use up to 75% more energy than LED bulbs, which means higher electricity bills.
• Evaluate the condition of appliances like water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and dryers. Older appliances can be energy hogs, responsible for well over 20% of your home’s energy use.
• Assess the use of power strips and electronics. Devices left plugged in or in standby mode can contribute to phantom loads, quietly draining energy.
• Review the sealing and ventilation of ductwork. Leaks lead to a loss of heated or cooled air before it reaches its intended destination, potentially making your heating or AC system 20% less efficient.

Checking these areas can give you a better idea of where your home may be wasting energy. Then, based on your budget and needs, you can prioritize improvements.

Simple Changes to Reduce Your Energy Bill at Home

Electricity isn’t getting any cheaper. Thankfully, even small changes can make a big impact on your energy bill!

That’s right, you don’t need to break the bank with home improvements or completely alter your lifestyle to save energy. Here are a few simple changes you can make that require little effort but have significant results on your monthly bills and the environment:

Embrace Natural Light

Do you find yourself turning on lights during the day? Open your curtains! Natural light is better for our mental and physical health, and it’s also free!

Natural light can save on lighting costs and warm your home in the colder months. Consider using blinds or curtains in the summer to block out the sun and reduce cooling costs.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Remember those phantom loads we mentioned earlier? Chargers, toasters, coffee makers—they all add up. Unplugging devices when you’re not using them saves money and increases the lifespan of your devices. Consider using a power strip to make this even easier.

Dress for the Season

Instead of cranking up the heat or AC, why not dress a bit warmer in winter or cooler in summer? A cozy robe or lightweight clothing can be just the ticket to comfort without the cost.

Seal the Leaks

Feel a draft? Sealing leaks around doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk is a DIY win that keeps the outside out and your comfortable air in, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Switch to LED

If you haven’t already, swapping out incandescent bulbs for LED lights is a no-brainer. LEDs last longer while consuming a fraction of the energy.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature based on when you’ll be home or away. And a smart thermostat can automatically adjust to your habits and preferences, saving you around 8% on energy bills.

Plus, you can control it remotely. So, if you leave town for the weekend and forget to turn your HVAC system off, you can turn down the heat or AC from your cell phone to save money while you’re away.

Full Loads Only During Non-Peak Hours

Whether it’s the dishwasher or washing machine, running full loads means you’re making the most of the water and energy being used. It’s a simple habit that reduces waste and saves resources.

If you live in a region with variable peak and non-peak electricity rates, run these appliances during non-peak hours to save even more money.

Insulate and Save

The right home insulation keeps your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. Checking your attic and basement for adequate insulation can prevent energy from literally going through the roof. Crawl space encapsulation can also improve energy efficiency and reduce moisture levels. And you can also insulate your water heater and hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and save on energy costs, too!

Energy Saving Tips for Your Commute

Your house isn’t the only place to make energy-efficient changes. You can cut costs on the ever-increasing price of gas and reduce the wear and tear on your car with these energy-saving tips for your commute:

1. Carpool to work, school, or other frequent destinations.
2. Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires decrease gas mileage by up to 3%.
3. Use cruise control on the highway.
4. Walk, bike, or take public transportation when possible.
5. Combine trips and plan efficient routes when running errands.
6. Keep your car maintained with regular oil changes and tune-ups.
7. Consider investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle when it’s time to upgrade.

You can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by making a few small changes to your daily commute!

Future-Proof Your Home with Renewable Energy and Smart Home Investments

For those who want to take energy efficiency a step (or several!) further, investing in renewable energy sources and smart home technology can future-proof your home and significantly reduce your energy bills.

This means not only saving money in the long run but also increasing your home value. Let’s explore how this blend of nature’s power and smart technology can work for you.

Smart Home Essentials

A more energy-efficient home doesn’t have to start with big, costly projects. There’s a range of smart upgrades that are easier on your budget and fit seamlessly into your home’s current setup, requiring little to no structural changes.

• Smart Appliances: Upgrade to smart refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers that optimize energy use and operate during off-peak hours for lower utility bills.
• Leak Detection Sensors: Install sensors to catch water leaks early, preventing wasteful water use and costly damage.
• Smart Faucets and Showerheads: Reduce water use with devices that adjust flow based on need, saving on both your water and water heating bills.
• Smart Light Switches and Bulbs: Control lighting remotely, set schedules, and adjust brightness to use electricity only when needed.
• Smart Irrigation Systems: Opt for smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant type, conserving water outdoors.
• Energy Monitoring Systems: Implement systems that provide detailed insights into your energy consumption, helping you identify and reduce excess usage.

Many of these improvements add immediate value to your home. And with these foundational changes in place, exploring more involved projects becomes the next logical step.

Heat Pump Technology

Although we wouldn’t technically call this a “smart home” item, upgrading your heating and cooling system to a newer, more efficient model, like a heat pump, will keep your home comfortable for less. You can then opt to add a smart thermostat for automation and remote control.

Again, it’s not exactly a “smart” item, but hybrid or heat pump water heaters are a great way to save money and energy if you’re still using an old one.

Solar Power

Installing solar panels is like capturing a piece of the sun to power your home. When you add a solar water heater, you’re using the sun’s warmth for your hot water needs.

Pair these with an energy monitoring system, and you’ve got a smart setup that helps you make the most of solar energy and reduces electricity costs.

A solar attic fan is another green upgrade that keeps your home’s temperature regulated while using no electricity, which can save you a bundle of energy costs.

Wind Power

For those in windy parts of the country, a small wind turbine could complement your solar panels, providing an additional clean energy source. Smart systems in your home ensure this power is used efficiently, seamlessly integrating it into your daily energy consumption.

Other Renewable Investments

Expanding on the heat pump technology introduced earlier, geothermal heat pumps offer a unique way to harness the earth’s stable temperatures for efficient home heating and cooling.

Small hydroelectric generators or biomass systems can further diversify your home’s energy mix. And smart technology can automatically choose the most efficient energy source available, optimizing your home’s energy use without any extra effort on your part!

Financial Incentives and Rebates for Energy Efficiency

Many of these energy-efficient upgrades come with a hefty price tag — but don’t let that discourage you! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners like you can take advantage of government incentives and rebates that make these investments much more affordable.

This legislation introduces two significant programs aimed at reducing the cost of installation for energy-efficient home upgrades:

• The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) offers substantial rebates, covering a wide array of projects, from air sealing to heat pump installations. It promises to cover 100% of project costs up to $14,000 for low-income households and up to 50% for moderate-income families.
• The Home Energy Performance-Based Whole-House Rebates (HOME Rebates) program rewards you for reducing your home’s energy use. Achieving a 20% energy reduction could net you up to $2,000, potentially even more if you surpass 35% savings.

These initiatives are designed to lighten the financial load of adopting energy-efficient solutions. For homeowners in the Southeast and across the country, taking advantage of these rebates means lower energy bills and better comfort, all while contributing to a healthier environment!

***Lee Company is not providing tax advice. The content on this webpage has been prepared for informational purposes only. If you have questions regarding federal tax credits, you should consult a tax professional.

Choose Lee Company for Your Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Ready to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency but need help deciding where to begin? Lee Company is your trusted partner in the Southeast! With eight decades of experience across Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia, we specialize in electrical, HVAC, and plumbing solutions that save energy and improve your living space.

Our educated technicians can guide you through the best options for your home and budget. We also offer flexible financing and Home Maintenance Plans to make your energy-efficient home upgrade journey as smooth and affordable as possible.

Let Lee Company help you navigate the Inflation Reduction Act’s benefits and make a lasting impact on your comfort, your energy bills, and the planet! Contact us here.