Rising electricity costs make energy efficiency more important than ever, and these simple upgrades can help lower bills, boost comfort, and resilience.
Ryan Meres
Program Director, RESNET
Electricity prices have increased faster than inflation since 2022, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the increases to continue through 2026. If energy bills are putting a strain on your finances, it’s time to improve your home’s energy efficiency and stop sending so much money to the utility company. As a bonus, most energy efficiency improvements will also improve the comfort, indoor air quality, and resilience of your home.
It’s important to note that although solar panels have the potential to reduce your electricity costs, they are not an energy efficiency measure. Improving your home’s energy efficiency should always be done prior to purchasing solar panels, because reducing electricity consumption means you can purchase fewer solar panels.
Depending on your skills and the type of home you have, many of these recommendations can be completed as DIY projects.
Air sealing
Many homeowners will describe their home or certain rooms as “drafty.” Those drafts are leaks through your home’s walls, ceilings, or floors. Common trouble spots include openings around windows, doors, and attic pull-down stairs. It’s easiest to feel these leaky areas during the hottest or coldest times of the year. Using caulk, spray foam, tape, or weatherstripping is a common way to seal leaks between your home and the outdoors.
Block the sun
If your home receives direct sunlight through the windows, and if your windows are old or single-pane, it will increase your cooling load. Replacing windows can be expensive, and it’s not a DIY project, but window awnings can be inexpensive and easy to install. Put them down in the summer to keep the sun out and up in the winter to let the sun help heat your home.
Beat the heat with a fan
During the hot months, bump up the thermostat on your air conditioner a few degrees and use ceiling or floor fans to help you feel more comfortable. Improving the air circulation in your home can also ease the strain on your air conditioner and your wallet.
Other DIY projects
Make sure you change the air filter on your furnace or air conditioner regularly. Keep in mind that you may need to do it more often if you have a lot of dust, pets, or people in your home.
When it’s time to replace that old dishwasher, clothes washer, or refrigerator, look for models that carry the ENERGY STAR certification to ensure maximum energy savings.
If you’re not sure where to start, begin by working with a HERS Rater, who is certified to evaluate the energy performance of a home. Search for a HERS Rater in your area to do an assessment and provide recommendations on how to maximize the payback for your investment in energy efficiency.
