With signs of spring popping up everywhere and hot summer days on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the increased temperatures.
Simple new home upgrades can significantly reduce how hard your AC has to work to cool your home and, consequently, how much energy you use and money you spend. Check out these smart home improvements to make your house more energy-efficient and save money on your utility bill this summer.
1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can optimize your cooling system and cut down on energy waste. You can schedule temperature adjustments throughout the day so your home stays cool without running the AC unnecessarily. Many smart thermostats are also equipped with learning capabilities, allowing them to adapt to your daily routines and even adjust based on local weather conditions.
More expensive options, like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, come with all the bells and whistles, including voice control, AI setup, air-quality monitoring, and more. You can also opt for more economic versions, like the Amazon or Mysa smart thermostats, which are easy to use and get the job done.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Shades
Hot sun bearing through your windows can significantly increase the temperature inside your home and force your AC to work harder, driving up cooling costs. If you’re up for new windows, invest in energy-efficient options, such as low-e coated glass, which can reduce energy loss by 30–50%.
If you’re looking for a simpler new home upgrade for your windows, try adding reflective films to increase privacy and reduce heat transfer. Smart blinds and shades, which can be programmed to close during the hottest parts of the day, can also help you maintain a cooler temperature inside.
3. Use LED Lighting and Smart Bulbs
Switching to LED lighting is a simple yet effective way to save energy and reduce your utility bill. LEDs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements over time.
Also, including smart lighting controls in your new home upgrade allows you to schedule lights to turn on and off or adjust brightness remotely, making your lighting even more efficient. Motion sensors and dimmers can also help you ensure you’re using the minimum lighting energy required.
4. Reduce Phantom Energy with Smart Power Strips
Even once electronics are turned off, they can still consume phantom energy loads. Smart power strips can monitor this usage and block power from devices that are turned off but still using up energy. They can also be programmed to turn off when no one’s in the room or scheduled to shut off at certain times, making it easy to be intentional with your energy use.
Roku, GHome Smart, TP-Link, and a variety of other companies make high-quality smart power strips and plugs that include a wide array of features to meet your needs for new home upgrades.
5. Optimize Your HVAC System
Taking good care of your cooling system is one of the best new home upgrades for improving efficiency and saving money. Schedule an HVAC tune-up at least once a year and replace your filters about every three months to ensure your system is running smoothly and efficiently.
You can also look into smart vents, which use motion sensors to tell when there are people in the room. When the space is empty, the vents close, and the air is redirected to other areas of the house. For a simpler way to maximize cooling, turn on ceiling fans to evenly distribute cool air and reduce the workload for your AC.
6. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Appliances with the ENERGY STAR certification consume less electricity while providing the same level of performance as standard models. Upgrading to smart versions of these energy-efficient appliances (such as refrigerators, dishwashers, or washing machines) can help you save even more money and energy with eco-friendly cycles and energy usage tracking.
You can maximize your efficiency and new home upgrades even more by pairing ENERGY STAR appliances with smart plugs to control energy use remotely and reduce waste.
7. Invest in Solar Power
Taking advantage of solar energy is a great way to offset the increased summer electricity cost and make use of an eco-friendly, renewable resource. Look into installing solar panels on your home or purchasing solar-powered appliances such as water heaters to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and save money in the long run.
Many states also offer tax credits or other incentives for smart new home upgrades like installing solar paneling, so do a little research to see what options are available in your area.
Start Your New Home Upgrades with Bell Cow
At Bell Cow, we know you’re looking forward to summer days, and we want you to enjoy them fully with a cool, comfortable home and a manageable utility bill. Our home improvement and HVAC services are the best around, and you can always count on us for quality, skill, and professionalism.
Get in touch to talk about your home improvements and making your home more energy efficient.