If you're trying to cut down your utility bills or shrink your carbon footprint, making your home more energy efficient is a smart move. You don’t need to spend a fortune to see great results, either. With the right changes — many of which are surprisingly affordable — you can make a noticeable difference. Whether you're preparing to sell your Mullica Hill home soon or just want it to run more smoothly day to day, these upgrades are worth the effort.
Keep reading to dive into the most cost-effective ways to make your living space more energy efficient.
1. Seal Up Air Leaks
Drafty doors and windows can make your HVAC system work harder than it should. That means more energy use and higher bills. Sealing up air leaks is one of the cheapest and most impactful ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Start with weather stripping around the doors and caulking around the windows. If you feel a breeze from outside in these areas, it’s costing you money. Adding door sweeps can also help immensely, as they block out drafts that sneak in from underneath.
Start with weather stripping around the doors and caulking around the windows. If you feel a breeze from outside in these areas, it’s costing you money. Adding door sweeps can also help immensely, as they block out drafts that sneak in from underneath.
2. Upgrade to LED Lighting
Switching your light bulbs to LED might sound simple — and that’s because it is — but it’s also one of the most effective changes you can make for energy efficiency. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. That means fewer replacements and lower electricity costs. Start with the most frequently used fixtures like kitchen lights, bathroom mirror lights, and hallway lamps.
Look for ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs for best results, as they provide excellent light quality without the high cost on your bill. Over time, even a full-home switch can pay for itself in savings.
Look for ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs for best results, as they provide excellent light quality without the high cost on your bill. Over time, even a full-home switch can pay for itself in savings.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps you reduce heating and cooling when you’re not home or when you’re asleep. These useful devices let you set schedules that match your routine and lifestyle. Some models even learn your habits over time and adjust automatically. Newer smart versions can be controlled easily from your phone, even when you’re away.
You don’t need a high-end model to see exceptional results. Even a basic programmable thermostat can save you significantly each year on heating and cooling costs. It’s an easy win for both comfort and efficiency.
You don’t need a high-end model to see exceptional results. Even a basic programmable thermostat can save you significantly each year on heating and cooling costs. It’s an easy win for both comfort and efficiency.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Window coverings do much more than add a sense of style; they can help lower your energy bills. In the summer, shades and curtains block out heat, whereas in the winter, they keep warm air from escaping through the glass. Look for thermal curtains or cellular shades for optimal outcomes. These are designed specifically to insulate the windows, and they're especially beneficial in rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight or have older windows.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, even simple blackout curtains can help regulate the indoor temperature. Keep them closed during hot afternoons or chilly nights for instant energy savings.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, even simple blackout curtains can help regulate the indoor temperature. Keep them closed during hot afternoons or chilly nights for instant energy savings.
5. Maintain Your HVAC System
Your heating and cooling system plays a crucial role in your energy use. If the components are not working efficiently, your bills will show it. Simple maintenance tasks can help the system run more efficiently and last longer.
Start by changing your air filters every 1–3 months. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, which drives up your energy costs. Clean around the vents and registers so that airflow isn’t blocked. Schedule annual tune-ups for both heating and cooling. A professional can catch issues early on and make sure that everything’s working as it should.
Start by changing your air filters every 1–3 months. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, which drives up your energy costs. Clean around the vents and registers so that airflow isn’t blocked. Schedule annual tune-ups for both heating and cooling. A professional can catch issues early on and make sure that everything’s working as it should.
6. Use Smart Power Strips
As a useful feature, smart power strips detect when a device is in standby mode and cut power to it automatically. This stops phantom energy usage without you lifting a finger. Some models even have timers or motion sensors, enabling them to only power up when you need them. Set these up in home offices, media centers, or anywhere multiple devices are plugged in.
Smart power strips are not expensive, and the energy savings can be quite noticeable over time. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution that helps you cut waste effortlessly.
Smart power strips are not expensive, and the energy savings can be quite noticeable over time. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution that helps you cut waste effortlessly.
Little Fixes Lead to Big Wins
Ultimately, improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be overwhelming — or expensive. By tackling a few smart upgrades and shifting some daily habits, you can cut your energy bills down and make your home much more comfortable. Whether you're thinking about selling soon or just want to live smarter, these tips are a great place to start.
If you’re ready to begin your journey and explore Mullica Hill real estate, reach out to The Pat Settar Team for expert guidance you can rely on every time.
