search

How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient (In Four Simple Steps)

There are myriad reasons why anyone should want to make their home as energy efficient as possible. It’s good for both the planet and the homeowner’s bottom line. In fact, the United States Department of Energy estimates most homeowners will save $400 a year on heating and cooling bills after making energy-efficient changes around their homes. That adds up to a lot of dollars and cents. Yet, perhaps best of all, an efficient home often results in a more comfortable and pleasant living environment. And, at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to be comfortable in their own home? 

Do a Regular Energy Audit

Have you noticed a spike in your heating bills every winter that you can’t readily explain? An energy audit may just help you figure out what’s going on. For those that don’t know, an energy audit takes a holistic approach to every aspect of a home’s efficiency. Homeowners can use whatever data they have available to look at their current and past energy consumption and to help come up with a plan of action.

Not sure where to start? Most utility companies have websites filled with efficiency-boosting tips. Meeting with a professional energy auditor or advisor can also be helpful for some homeowners who may lack the proper tools or expertise to conduct an audit on their own. Be sure to inquire about rebates or discounts that homeowners making changes might qualify for from their utility providers.

Consider Window Tinting

One way to make your home more efficient is to limit the impact that solar gain can have on its thermal energy by installing tinted windows. Tinting can be a great way to not only stop solar heat gain via deflection but also to prevent fading to interior decorations as well. This is one reason why almost all of the best art museums in the world employ tinted windows—to better protect their collections of artwork from the ravages of the sun.

A local detailing professional will be able to give the proper recommendations when it comes to the type of tinting your home’s windows will require. This is because needs can differ greatly from area to area, with residential window tinting in Charlotte, NC likely requiring a different solution from tinting a home in often overcast and rainy Seattle.

Check Your Home’s Insulation

If you don’t know when the last time your home’s insulation situation was assessed by a professional, it may be time to schedule an appointment to do so sooner rather than later. This is because standards for building as well as insulation itself have changed greatly over the years as new materials have come to market. These new materials are substantially more efficient and economical and can make a huge difference when upgrading from older insulation.

For example, one commonly under-insulated area in older homes can be the attic. Just better sealing off an unused attic space can add up to potentially hundreds of dollars in savings per year. The areas around windows, doors, and light fixtures can also often be the source of drafts or air leaks. Sealing such leaks and improving insulation is one of the best ways to improve efficiency around the home.

Only Use Your HVAC When You Need to

The best way to keep from heating and cooling your house is to only do so when it is absolutely necessary. Investing in fans and removable screens is relatively inexpensive, and in areas where it is feasible, forgoing your HVAC can lead to substantial savings. 

This doesn’t mean freezing pipes in winter or risking heatstroke in summer, howeve., It’s more like turning the system off on days when the temperature is already comfortable and opening the windows instead. After all, who needs to “condition” the air if it is already a pleasant spring or fall day?

Get a Smart Thermostat

In addition to only using your heating and cooling system when it is truly necessary, many homeowners may want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Such thermostats can be easily integrated into a larger smart home system. Some smart thermostats may leverage features such as motion detection to save homeowners money by shutting down automatically when the system senses it is not needed in a particular zone. A good smart thermostat will help homeowners clue into their true HVAC use while highlighting inefficiencies and money-wasting habits. It should be noted, however, that many smart thermostats work best with HVAC systems that are already zoned.

Investing in Efficiency Ensures Long-Term Benefits

In conclusion, while it may require an initial investment on the part of the homeowner, using any of the above tips should help homeowners realize greater efficiency around their home while also helping to lower their utility bills each month. Even taking simple steps such as getting an energy audit and action plan put together can help lead homeowners down the eventual path towards greater efficiency and savings. 

So don’t be intimidated. Pick a trick or tip that intrigues you and get to work. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll enjoy the benefits of your upgraded home!

Stone in Architecture: 10 Must-Know Projects In India

Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]

Read More

5 Ways Arcadium’s Furniture Library Can Elevate Your Interior Room Design Process

If you’ve ever struggled to visualize how a new sectional or bookshelf will look before you click “Buy,” you’ll appreciate the power of a free room design tool that lets you drop, resize, and style real-world furniture in seconds. Arcadium 3D—an online, browser-based design platform—pairs professional-grade 3-D modeling with an expanding catalog of parametric furniture, […]

Read More

20 Balcony Decor Ideas To Make Your Space Interesting

Balcony decor ideas are a trend nowadays, as people have increasingly started living in apartments. These tiny spaces of the house have a larger importance in the day-to-day life of a person who lives on the upper floors of the apartments. Thus, balcony decor ideas must be very subjective to the people living in the […]

Read More

Retrofitting Historic Homes: Modern HVAC & Plumbing Without Losing Character

The United States has over 5.6 million buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and countless more heritage properties await thoughtful renovation. According to the EPA’s guidelines for older homes, many architectural treasures harbor aging mechanical systems that compromise comfort and efficiency. Look, anybody who’s worked on an old house knows the dilemma: these […]

Read More

Modern Staircase Design for Home: 25 Transformative Ideas

Staircase design for home plays a key role in shaping both function and style in interior architecture. Designers consistently push boundaries to create a staircase design for home that reflects personality, optimises space, and enhances aesthetics. From minimal floating stairs to ornate traditional options, each staircase design for home contributes a unique character. In this […]

Read More

Inside Sparta’s Style Shift: Why Custom Built-ins Are Redefining Modern Living Spaces

In the heart of New Jersey, a quiet revolution is reshaping how homeowners think about space, function, and style. Sparta, once known for its traditional layouts and rustic charm, is embracing a more tailored and design-forward approach to interiors. The rise of custom built-ins is at the forefront of this shift, offering homeowners a way […]

Read More

Why Every Contemporary Living Room Needs an Elegant Table

Designing a beautifully well-balanced living room is more than just picking a comfy sofa. The different pieces are essential to the space’s feel and function. An elegant table is necessary for every living space as it looks good and is functional. Find out why this simple piece of furniture can help turn any modern living room […]

Read More

3D Printed Houses In India And Its Evolution

3D-printed houses are one of the emerging construction technologies. It began in the 1930s with William E. Urschel in 1939, who 3D-printed buildings in Indiana, USA. Since then, 3D-printed houses have existed, evolving the field further. This type of house is constructed using a special concrete mix applied layer by layer by a large, computer-controlled […]

Read More

Bathroom Storage Design 2025: 20 Ideas For Your Home

As houses become more efficient and conscious, bathroom storage design is rising to the occasion in terms of function and aesthetic. In 2025, all about sleek looks, intelligent solutions, and eco-friendliness. From floating vanity to modular organizers, these bathroom storage solutions merge functionality with style, ideal for contemporary Indian homes that need order, sophistication, and […]

Read More

Curtains for Living Room Interiors: 15 Trending Ideas In 2025

Curtains for living room spaces do more than cover windows—they define mood, enhance style, and elevate functionality. In India, where design preferences blend tradition with innovation, choosing the right curtains for living room décor becomes a key element in crafting beautiful and personalised interiors. From airy sheers to rich velvets, every curtain style speaks a […]

Read More
  • Classic Palette of Yellows and Greys Working in Harmony for this Café Design in Hyderabad | Beyond Spaces Design Studio

    How to DIY Repair Your Dishwasher with Appliance Spare Parts