9 Ways You Can Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient homes are not only good for the environment, but they can also save you money on your energy bills. The average homeowner can save hundreds of dollars annually by making a few simple changes to their home. With so many options to help improve your home's energy efficiency, there's no excuse not to start saving today. Read below to discover the meaning of a few key energy efficiency terms and x ways you can make your home more energy-efficient.

Energy Efficiency Overview

Many factors go into making a home energy efficient. Some of these factors include the type of insulation used, the type of windows, the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems, and how well the home is sealed. All of these factors work together to determine how much energy your home uses and how much you can save by making changes.

The first step in becoming more energy efficient is understanding some key terms. Below are a few of the most important terms to know:

• Energy Use Intensity (EUI): This measures how much energy is used per square foot. It is important to know this number so you can compare different homes or buildings.
• Thermal Enclosure: This measures how well a building prevents heat from escaping. The better the thermal enclosure, the less energy is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
• Airtightness: This measures how leakage of air affects the thermal enclosure. The fewer air leaks in and out of a building, the better its airtightness.
• Fenestration: This term refers to the glass in a window or door. The more effective the fenestration, the less heat will escape through the windows and doors.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how much heat the sun gains. The lower the SHGC, the less heat will enter the home through the windows.

Now that you understand some key energy efficiency terms, here are x ways you can make your home more energy-efficient:

1. Upgrade Your Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important things you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency. The right type of insulation will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It can also save you money on your energy bills.

There are various types of insulation, and the best type for your home will depend on your climate and the construction of your home. If you're unsure which type of insulation is right for you, consult a professional installer at https://www.procrafthomeproducts.com who can offer guidance. They will be able to recommend the right type of insulation and install it for you.

If you already have insulation in your home, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient type. Many homes are still insulated with outdated materials like fiberglass or cellulose. Upgrading to a newer type of insulation, like spray foam or rigid foam, can save you up to 30% on your energy bills.

2. Upgrade Your Windows

Windows are another critical factor in your home's energy efficiency. The type of windows you have and their age and condition can significantly affect how much heat is lost through them. If your windows are more than 15 years old, it's probably time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. Newer windows are much better at insulating your home and keeping the heat in. They also tend to be more airtight, improving your home's energy efficiency.

There are many energy-efficient windows, and the best type for your home will depend on your climate. If you live in a hot climate, look for windows with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). If you live in a cold climate, look for windows with a high R-value.

Apart from windows, you can also get some additional features that will be of great help in the quest for a more efficient home. Lots of people are installing custom shutters that ensure the heat is kept out during hot days and that the interior temperature is maintained at an optimal level. Not to mention, they are easy to install as well. Once you have these in place, you are sure to see a significant decrease in your energy bills!

3. Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling account for much of your home's energy use. Upgrading to a more efficient system can save you significant money on your energy bills. If you have an older furnace or air conditioner, it's probably time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. More unique furnaces and air conditioners are much better at regulating the temperature in your home, and they use less energy to do so.

When shopping for new heating and cooling systems, look for systems with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EERs) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEERs). These ratings will tell you how efficient the system is. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system.

4. Seal Your Home's Air Leaks

One of the most important things you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency is to ensure it is well-sealed. A well-sealed home will have less air leakage, making it easier to heat and cool. Sealing your home can also help reduce noise pollution and improve indoor air quality.

When air leaks out of your home, it takes heat with it. This forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain the temperature in your home, which uses more energy and costs you more money.

There are many ways to seal your home, but one of the easiest ways is to use weather stripping. Weatherstripping is a material that helps prevent air leakage around doors and windows. It comes in many forms, including tape, foam, and strips. You can find weather stripping at most hardware stores.

5. Add Solar Screens

Solar screens are an easy and effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency. Solar screens reflect sunlight away from your home, which helps keep it cooler in the summer. In the winter, they reflect heat into your home, which helps keep it warmer. Solar screens can also help reduce glare and protect your furniture and carpets from fading.




They come in various sizes and colors, so you can find a style that fits your home. You can buy solar screens at most home improvement stores. They are relatively easy to install, and most hardware stores sell them.

6. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting accounts for a significant portion of your home's energy use. Switching to energy-efficient lighting can save you money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.

There are many different types of energy-efficient lighting, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and halogen incandescents. CFLs and LEDs are the most energy-efficient options, but they can be more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs. Halogen incandescents are a good middle ground between efficiency and cost.

7. Use a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency. A smart thermostat is a programmable thermostat that can be controlled remotely. This means you can adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere, at any time.

Smart thermostats can save you significant money on your energy bills. They can also help reduce your carbon footprint. Smart thermostats are available in various models, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.




The right thermostat should be easy to use and program. It should also be compatible with your home's heating and cooling system. You can buy smart thermostats at most home improvement stores.

8. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills. Solar panels use the sun's energy to generate electricity, which can then be used to power your home. Solar panels can also be used to heat water for your home.

Installing solar panels can be a big investment, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run. Solar panels typically have a payback period of 5 to 20 years. After that, they will start saving you money on your energy bills. They are available in various models, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

When choosing solar panels, it's essential to consider the quality of the panels. The higher the quality, the more efficient the panel will be. Solar panels are available in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your home.

9. Get an Energy Audit

An energy audit is a great way to determine where your home is losing energy and money. During an energy audit, a professional will come to your home and inspect all of your appliances and systems. They will then provide a report outlining where your home is losing energy and how you can fix it.

An energy audit is a great way to determine where your home is losing energy and money. During an energy audit, a professional will come to your home and inspect all of your appliances and systems. They will then provide a report outlining where your home is losing energy and how you can fix it.

An energy audit can be expensive, but it's a great way to save money on your energy bills in the long run. Most utility companies offer free or discounted audits, so ask about this service.



These are just a few ways to improve your home's energy efficiency. Making even a few minor changes can save money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. If you're unsure where to start, consider getting an energy audit. This will give you a good idea of where your home is losing energy and how you can fix it. You can also consult a professional HVAC contractor for more information and guidance.