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You can make some critical upgrades to your home to save on your utility bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency. A bonus besides lowering your bills is when you’re ready to sell your home, these cost-saving features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers.

As a homeowner, keeping your home running efficiently is essential to save money and help the environment thrive. October 2nd was Energy Efficiency Day, a perfect time to think about making some key upgrades to improve your home’s efficiency. Hub says, “In the U.S., energy costs eat between 5 and 22 percent of families’ total after-tax income.” Experts say your utility costs should be no more than 8 -10 percent of your monthly income.

So let’s look at the tips to improve the efficiency of your home.

1. Make the Switch to LED -LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
   Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, you can save $75 on energy costs annually.
2. Seal Those Leaks – On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. All the minor leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window.
   Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.
3. Heat and Cool Efficiently – Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat in colder weather, schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep and increase when you return home or wake up. In warm weather, schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are away or sleeping and lower it at other times.

Tip: Follow the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommended temperatures and be energy-efficient all year.

4. Maintain Your HVAC System -Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow airflow, making the system work harder to keep you warm (or Cool) and costing you more money.

Tip: It’s essential to get a winter tune-up and a summer tune-up for your HVAC system. This can be vital to improving efficiency, saving you money, and making your home more comfortable. As well as to help keep your current systems lasting longer.

If you have any questions or need a recommendation for a great HVAC company, please get in touch with me. I keep a list of types of businesses that can help you keep your home running smoothly.