5 Great Energy Efficient Home Upgrades

Energy efficient upgrades to your home are always a great idea. The return can be great as you have a regard for the planet, save money on energy bills and you can add value whenever it comes time to sell your home. Consider what is most important for updating in your own home and what works for your budget. Otherwise here are some of the best ones that will help pad your wallet.

Attic insulation

While it may not be an exciting upgrade as it is often something you don’t really see, adding insulation to your attic can be a great way to save some money. The EPA estimates that homeowners should save approximately 15% on heating and cooling with effective insulation. 

Windows

If you can feel a draft coming through the corners of your windows it may be time to consider an upgrade. Even windows with decent seals can transfer energy if the panes are not energy efficient. The EPA also estimates that you can save 15% annually on energy bills with energy efficient windows. 

Doors

Similar to windows, your doors can also be a big culprit for energy loss. Studies show leaky ones can be upwards or 40% energy loss. Similar to windows, you will want tight fitting doors that not only have strong seals for gaps but also are insulated to keep passive energy loss to a minimum.

Solar panels

Solar panels may sound costly to install, but the long term gain is worth it. Typically the installation cost can be more than $15,000 but most homeowners will pay off their panels in eight years with the average panels lasting 25 years. 

Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat has been proven to work well in terms of saving on energy bills. Energystar.com states that one can save up to $180 per year on heating and cooling costs if you program your thermostat to their suggested settings. The convenience factor of programming temperatures to your liking is also a nice value add.