Tired of staring at your energy bill and wondering where all that money went?
No, you’re not crazy. Heating and cooling costs devour a huge portion of every homeowner’s monthly budget. The best part is that most of it is completely preventable.
Here’s the truth:
Home upgrades can dramatically increase the energy efficiency of your home. The best part is that these improvements will pay for themselves. Typically these will pay for themselves within a few years.
This guide breaks down the upgrades that actually work…
Inside This Guide:
- Why Energy-Saving Upgrades Matter
- The Best Heating and Cooling Solutions To Invest In
- mart Add-Ons That Stretch Your Savings
- Tax Credits and Rebates Worth Knowing About
Why Energy-Saving Upgrades Matter
Energy costs continue to rise annually. Most homes lose considerable energy through leaks, old equipment, and insufficient insulation – causing homeowners to spend much more than necessary on comfort.
Here’s why this matters:
Approximately 48% of a home’s energy is consumed by heating and cooling. Therefore changing the way you heat and cool your home can significantly impact your monthly expenses.
Partner with a trusted HVAC company to identify precisely which heating and cooling options will provide you the greatest savings for your unique home. Whether it be new equipment or duct sealing – they can help you save years of guesswork.
And the best part?
Most of these upgrades pay you back in the form of:
- Lower monthly bills
- Higher home resale value
- Tax credits and rebates
- A way more comfortable home
Pretty cool, right?
Now view the updates that give you the most bang for your buck…
The Best Heating and Cooling Solutions To Invest In
These upgrades offer the largest savings every time. Some have a higher initial price tag – but the return is well worth it.
Upgrade To a High-Efficiency HVAC System
This is the upgrade that delivers the biggest savings of all…
Installing a new energy efficient HVAC system can cut your energy consumption significantly. The U.S. Department of Energy says that upgrading your HVAC system will save you 20-40% on your monthly utilities.
That’s a serious chunk of change.
A majority f older systems operate inefficiently due to wear and tear. They strain twice as hard to maintain your home comfortable – leading to increased costs and a shorter life.
If your HVAC unit is over 10 years old, chances are you should replace it. Newer units run quieter, more efficiently and use significantly less energy to heat or cool your home.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Want a quick win that doesn’t break the bank?
Investing in a smart thermostat is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to begin saving money on heating and cooling. This small device programs itself based on your schedule and needs. You will no longer be heating or cooling an empty home and wasting energy.
ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats can save homeowners about $100/year. Not too shabby for a device priced under $250.
Heat Pumps: The Silent Winner
Heat pumps are quickly becoming the gold standard for efficient home comfort.
Here’s why:
They can be up to four times more energy efficient than conventional HVAC systems. Heat pumps transfer heat rather than create heat – this requires significantly less energy. The U.S. Department of Energy even states that by converting to a heat pump you can save $300-$1,000 annually when compared to a traditional system.
It’s true, it is more expensive up front. However, with incentives and savings over time, the average homeowner will recoup costs in 5-7 years.
Seal and Insulate Ductwork
Did you know that leaky ducts could be costing you a fortune?
Did you know your ducts could be losing you money without you even realizing it? ENERGY STAR says properly sealing and insulating ducts can increase HVAC efficiency up to 20%.
It works because heated or cooled air ends up in spaces it shouldn’t be:
- Attics
- Crawlspaces
- Unheated basements
- Garages
That’s wasted air. And wasted money.
By sealing those ducts with mastic or foil tape, then wrapping them with insulation, you’ll keep conditioned air contained.
Smart Add-Ons That Stretch Your Savings
The aforementioned large upgrades are the show stoppers. However there are smaller ones that supplement the former to greatly increase savings.
Air Sealing & Weatherstripping
Air sealing can provide you with the largest return on investment of any upgrade to your home. Typically, your return can take back between six months to two years.
It involves sealing cracks and gaps around:
- Windows
- Doors
- Pipes
- Wiring entry points
- Attic hatches
Weatherstripping and caulk from the hardware store that doesn’t break the bank will work fine. Bonus? The average homeowner should be able to do this in a weekend.
Upgrade Your Windows
Old single-pane windows leak energy like crazy.
ENERGY STAR qualified windows can save you up to 13% on your home energy expenses. The icing on the cake? You’ll recover about 78% of your cost when you sell your home.
That’s a serious win-win.
Add Attic Insulation
Hot air rises. When your attic is poorly insulated, all that warm air you’re paying to heat just rises right up and out of your roof.
Insulating your attic is one of the lowest cost improvements you can make. It complements your HVAC system by preventing conditioned air from escaping – keeping it right where you want it.
Tax Credits and Rebates Worth Knowing About
Here’s something a lot of homeowners miss…
Did you know local utility companies and government incentive programs offer real cash back for making energy efficient improvements? Rebates and tax credits can reduce the price of new equipment by thousands of dollars.
Some of these include:
- State energy program rebates
- Utility company point-of-sale discounts
- Manufacturer mail-in rebates
- Local government incentive programs
Check with your local utility provider before purchasing any major upgrade. You may be eligible for hundreds (or thousands) of dollars of incentives.
The Final Word
Energy-efficient renovations are not just good for the environment. They put more money in your pocket each month.
Start with the easy wins like:
- Sealing air leaks
- Installing a smart thermostat
- Adding attic insulation
Next go to larger upgrades such as an HVAC system or heat pump. When you bundle these upgrades the payback compounds quickly. Throw in some rebates and tax credits and most will pay for themselves in a few years.
So if your bills are creeping up every season..
Don’t wait another day. Every day you wait is money wasted on inefficient heating and cooling.
Pick one upgrade. Get started. Then watch the savings grow month after month.
