How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Our homes are full of energy, both literally and figuratively. While it may be abuzz with the sound of friends and family, it’s also consuming a lot of energy to keep the lights on and maintain a comfortable living environment. As a property owner, making your home more energy efficient benefits both you and your tenants. Here are some of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Conduct an energy audit

You can hire a professional to do an energy audit, or you can do one yourself. Essentially, you or the professional will examine spaces in the home that are inefficiently using energy. Professionals will have a wealth of tools available, such as infrared cameras.  However, a DIY energy audit can be helpful too. Sometimes, we simply need to look at our property through a different lens (and with a checklist) to identify issues. Everything from windows to insulation to furnaces and appliances will be checked to ensure they work properly.

Enroll in PSE energy programs

Puget Sound Energy has a wealth of information for consumers to save on energy usage and associated costs. Their PSEFlex program rewards customers who adjust their energy usage during peak usage times. Also, there is an appliance rebate program for those who qualify.

Purchase a smart thermostat

Consider purchasing a smart home thermostat. Many control the temperature when occupants are not there so that less energy is used to heat or cool the home. This device can also appeal to renters who want a more eco-friendly home or those who just want to save on energy bills. It's also nice to be able to have the home automatically set at desired temperatures daily without having to lift a finger – convenience and efficiency combined.

Seal windows and doors

Not allowing drafts to get in or out of the home is another powerful energy-saver. Check all the windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed.  Apply caulking around windows and doors to seal their frames. Weatherstripping is another good option to seal gaps or cracks. This video shows how quickly weatherstripping can be installed.

Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances

ENERGY STAR appliances earn their distinction by meeting strict criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. They use significantly less energy than comparable products. Check out this list of appliances. These appliances can also provide another great selling point when renting your home. New or newer appliances can offer renters peace of mind, and the ENERGY STAR label can provide some reassurance, too.

Use LED lights

LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs are the most energy-efficient lighting option currently available. They can save a great deal of energy over time.  Also, they tend to last 25% longer than incandescent bulbs and use 75% less energy. While you may think changing out every light bulb in your rental property is an inconvenience now, imagine the energy savings from doing so one year from now.

Consider an HVAC Conversion

Converting a gas furnace into an electric furnace will not only reduce energy, but it also has a high return on investment. Investing in a heat pump to heat and cool your home can result in a 103% average recouped investment. Additionally, homeowners may soon be eligible for rebates in Washington state for home electrification measures. 

Purchase water-efficient appliances

Water-efficient shower heads and faucets will reduce water usage and energy consumption.  Additionally, if you have an older rental property, it may have older toilets that use a great deal of water. Low-flow toilets are much more efficient. In fact, toilets use more water than any appliance or fixture inside a residential home and are often the cause of costly, wasteful leaks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family could save up to 13,000 gallons of water a year if they swapped their older toilets for newer, low-flow ones.

Consider going solar

Going solar can also significantly reduce energy usage. While every household’s needs and usage differ, there is the potential to save a great deal. PSE has a SolarEnergy Credit program as well as experts who can help assess the feasibility of interconnecting with PSE. Additionally, studies have shown a positive association between going solar and home values. Solar panels can also be attractive to renters.

If you're thinking of selling your rental property, buyers are often willing to pay more for homes with solar panels. If you have questions about what your property might sell for, you can talk to our colleagues at Windermere Silverdale. They are highly-rated real estate agents who know Kitsap County's real estate market well.

Making your home more energy efficient benefits your property, renters, and the environment. Investments in energy savings (both big and small) can have a profound impact on the future.