Homeowners Tell All: Upgrades that Deliver Benefits and Long-Term Savings
Making improvements to your home isn’t just about increasing comfort- it’s also an investment in your home’s value and efficiency. Energy upgrades can deliver benefits that you may not have realized: lower utility bills, improved comfort, and lessened environmental impacts.
Smart energy choices can deliver both immediate savings and long-term returns. Let’s take a look at some impactful home upgrades that can help you save both energy and money.
Air Seal & Insulate
Start by sealing air leaks and upgrading insulation. Small gaps around doors, windows, and attics allow conditioned air to escape, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder. Proper insulation acts as a barrier that helps keep warm air inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
Together, air sealing and insulation can lower heating and cooling costs, improve indoor comfort, and help maintain more consistent indoor temperatures.
Upgrade Your Heating & Cooling System
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the average home’s energy use. If your HVAC system is aging or operating inefficiently, replacing it with a newer high-efficiency system can significantly reduce energy consumption. Reduced energy consumption therefore leads to lower monthly utility bills.
Regular maintenance is also important. Schedule annual tune-ups and replace air filters to help maximize efficiency. Consider working with a National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) approved contractor.
Smart Technology
Smart home technology makes it easy to manage your energy use.
A smart thermostat automatically adjusts temperatures based on your schedule and preferences. By reducing unnecessary heating and cooling, you can lower energy costs by 10-15% annually.
Lighting accounts for about 15% of a home’s electricity use. Switching to LED bulbs combined with smart controls can reduce lighting costs significantly. Smart controls allow you to schedule lights to be on or off and reduce unnecessary energy use.
Financing
One of the best ways to get started with your energy upgrades is to consider financing options, which help to make improvements more accessible and affordable. NEIF provides trusted financing for energy upgrades in your home.
“Our home was built in 1960, and had relied on open windows and window units for airflow, forever. After doing a lot of research and getting multiple quotes, we decided to have a high efficiency heat pump installed, and we trusted a NEIF approved contractor to be our contractor,” said one NEIF customer.
“This was a significant job, as we needed to have ducting installed throughout our home. Our next big decision was around financing the portion of the project as we were not planning to pay for all of it out of pocket. We were highly recommended NEIF, and after putting in an application, I could see why. Not only were the NEIF rates competitive, but their local support was so helpful in the project. We’re grateful that we chose NEIF for this job, and would highly recommend them.”
Working with NEIF is a great way to get started on home improvements that will save you money in the long term. Start exploring your options and discover how energy upgrades can deliver benefits for years to come.
SOURCES: energy.gov, energystar, Energy Tips