new home owners guide to saving on energy bills
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So, you’ve just made one of life’s biggest investments—buying a new home. But let’s face it, in today’s real estate market, homeownership has never been more expensive. Property prices are soaring, and there are a multitude of costs that come with your dream home. But here’s the good news: you can take steps to curb those annual expenses and even contribute to a greener planet in the process.
We’ve got 10 tips that can help you save money on your new home purchase, reduce energy bills, and potentially qualify for some tax rebates. These suggestions are not only wallet-friendly but also eco-conscious. So, let’s dive into how you can be a savvy and environmentally responsible homeowner – green home tips to save you money.
1. Energy Audit and Home Inspection:
When you move into your new place, consider scheduling an energy audit and a thorough home inspection. It might cost you $300 to $500, but it’s an investment that can pay off big. An audit will identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, potentially saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars annually.
2. Sealing Leaks and Insulation:
Another smart move is to seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows and add insulation where needed. For a cost of $1,000 to $2,000, you can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-20%, which could translate to hundreds of dollars in savings annually. This is a great opportunity for a diy home improvement project, though you can find a handyman in your area to tackle the project in 1 – 3 days’ time.
3. Energy-Efficient Lighting:
Swap out those old incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL lights. For about $50 to $100, you can save around $50 to $100 on your electricity bill each year. Check out resources from the Department of Energy which include tons of information on upgrading your home lighting system including types of lighting, solar, and even home automation.
4. Smart Thermostat:
For $200 to $300, install a smart thermostat that optimizes your heating and cooling based on your schedule and preferences. Expect savings of around $100 to $150 per year. A great tip is increasing the temperature at night in the summer, and cooling it further in the winter. You can even set the temperature when you are typically away from home to save money on your home energy bill.
5. Energy Star Appliances:
Upgrade to Energy Star-rated appliances, including a high-efficiency furnace or air conditioner. The cost varies, but you can potentially save several hundred dollars per year on electricity and gas bills.
6. Solar Evaluation:
Are you thinking about going solar? Have a professional assess the feasibility of installing solar panels. The evaluation is usually free. If you proceed, you could save thousands per year on electricity bills and may even qualify for tax credits. There are tons of tools out there to evaluate – and lots of opportunity. As of 2016, there were over 8 billion square meters of rooftops on which solar panels could be installed in the United States according to the Department of Energy – totaling up to 1 terawatt of potential solar output!
7. Weatherize Windows:
Consider upgrading your inefficient windows to energy-efficient models with low U-values and SHGC. The cost varies, potentially several thousand dollars, but the reduced heating and cooling costs could save you hundreds of dollars annually.
8. Water Heater Upgrade:
Swap out that old water heater for an energy-efficient tankless model or a heat pump water heater. For $1,000 to $3,000, you can save $100 to $300 per year on water heating costs.
9. Home Energy Tax Credits:
Don’t forget to research and take advantage of available federal and state tax credits for green upgrades. These credits can vary, but they may provide hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings. The list of types of credits include:
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Exterior doors, windows, skylights and insulation materials
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Central air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, boilers and heat pumps
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Biomass stoves and boilers
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Home energy audits
Keep in mind the value you can claim varies by year.
10. Energy-Efficient Landscaping:
Lastly, take your green endeavors outside. Plant shade trees and use drought-tolerant plants to reduce cooling costs and water consumption. The cost varies, but the potential savings could be hundreds of dollars annually.
By being proactive and implementing these green upgrades when you move into your new home, you not only reduce your annual costs but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment. These investments can pay off significantly in the long run, turning your new house into a cost-effective and planet-friendly home sweet home. If you are looking for smart home experts in your area, solar installation experts, and even landscapers to improve your shade around your home, check out pigybak and see who is offering services near you – or add it to your wishlist and let them come to you.
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