29 Ways to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient
Are you interested in making your home more energy-efficient — and saving money? Discover whether there are some big (or small) energy-saving opportunities that you're missing.
Energy auditor: Get an energy audit from your utility company. An energy auditor can help you understand where the energy you use is going, and how to use it more efficiently.
Light bulbs: Swap out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED options.
Sun/window treatments: Use the light and heat from the sun to selectively warm your house by opening your blinds or curtains. Using thermal curtains in the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter can help insulate your windows, keeping the desired temperature inside your home more steady.
Power strips: Flip the switch on power strips when you’re done using electronics. It's easier!
Weather-stripping on windows: If windows aren’t airtight, you can weather-strip them to protect against drafts. You can do the same with doors!
Water heater: Replace older water heaters, and keep your water set at a reasonable temperature (not too hot!).
Rain cistern: Collect rainwater for watering flowers or grass outside your house. This can be as simple as an old barrel under a spout of your roof's gutter system.
Compost container: Start composting for a natural (free) garden fertilizer and to reduce waste. You can compost dead leaves, vegetable scraps from your kitchen, even some paper!
Showerhead: Swap out your showerhead for a low-flow version.
Thermostat: A smart thermostat can save you energy by adjusting through the day.
Attic insulation: Air-sealing or insulating your attic will keep your house warmer (or cooler).
Attic bathroom with water under sink turned off: Turn off water in out-of-the-way bathrooms to save water.
Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans might be a workable alternative to air conditioning, especially during times when the temperature outside is mild.
Clothes washer: Use cold or warm water to wash clothes, and only do full loads.
Dishwasher: Only run full loads of dishes and clothes. It can be tempting to just wash a few at a time, but doing a full load will save power and detergent.
Solar screens on windows: Add solar screens to keep your house from overheating in the summer.
Solar panels: Solar panels can offset your energy usage or even replace your need for traditional electricity service.
Light-colored roof: A lighter-colored roof will reflect the sun.
Reclaimed wood floors: Reclaimed wood floors look great and don’t require felling new trees.
Storm doors: Combat leaking warm or cool air outside with storm doors.
Refrigerator: Upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models.
Laptop computer: Use a laptop instead of a desktop.
Trees: Plant trees for shade. They can help break the wind, too.
Roof ridge vents: Roof ridge vents let heat escape from your attic.
Wind turbine: Offset energy costs with a wind turbine.
Concrete counter: Concrete is cheap, looks great, and is a green countertop upgrade.
Low-flow toilet: Save gallons of water every time you flush with a low-flow toilet.
Xeriscaped front lawn: Xeriscaped lawns look great and don’t take as much water to maintain.
Manual push mower: A green alternative to a riding or motorized push mower is a manual push mower.