Having an energy-efficient home isn’t just good for the environment — it’s great for your wallet. LED lights use less than 75% of the energy that comes from traditional incandescent bulbs. Lowering the heat just a few notches at bedtime saves as much as 15% on a heating bill annually. A furnace that is Energy Star-rated is usually 15% more efficient than one which is not. And your mom was right — turning off the lights and unplugging appliances when you aren’t home does help you save money on your power bill while practicing energy efficiency.
Here are some of the top ways to make your house in San Diego more energy efficient in the new year. The Earth — and your wallet — will thank you.
Invest in a Heat Pump
Traditional furnaces work well and all, but they are dependent on fossil fuels such as propane, oil, and gas. With a heat pump, electricity moves heat from a cooler spot in a home to one that’s warmer. It easily warms the wanted warm space while keeping the cool space cool.
As a bonus, incentives are usually available for several heat-pump varieties, including a clean energy rebate of up to $8,000 for low-income households in 2023. Many rebates are part of the federal government’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which aims to lower greenhouse gases by 30% in just eight years.
Upgrade Your Windows
It’s an issue that plagues millions of older homes. Drafty windows don’t just make living quarters uncomfortable. They contribute heavily to a high energy bill since you’re forced to up the heat. Sealing window leaks and improving insulation not only cuts your electrical bill down but reduces overall energy use.
Upgrading your windows can save a surprising amount of money because of the cool air they help keep in. For anyone dealing with upcoming foreclosure in San Diego, consider making your property more energy efficient. You can shave off hundreds of dollars from your yearly utility bills. Put that cash to work against your other bills, like your mortgage or water bill.
Make the Leap to Solar Panels
Some of the biggest rebates are given to households who choose to add solar panels to their roof, and that’s because it’s a relatively big-ticket item when it comes to energy efficiency. And while installation may run as high as $30,000, solar panels easily help homeowners steadily save thousands. Solar panels have steadily become mainstream enough that they’ve become the favorites of many San Diego house buyers.
Make Small Changes
Are your power bills just too high? Simple energy-efficient steps can help. When it’s warm, instead of jacking up the air conditioning, make use of shades, drapes, and blinds. When it’s cooler out, open the shades when the sun is shining to foster natural warmth. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat as well to meet your energy efficiency needs. According to energy provider Direct Energy, each degree of cooling or heating increases a San Diego home’s energy use by up to 8%. Consider upping the thermostat just a smidge in the summer and lowering the heat in the winter.
Keep Your Fridge Stocked
How’s this for a delicious way to make your home more energy efficient? Full freezers and refrigerators operate more efficiently than those that are not. So don’t worry about that diet. You can just tell yourself you’re doing your part to make your house in San Diego energy efficient.
For homeowners that would rather get rid of their property instead of going through the hassle of making it energy efficient, contact us. It’s never the right time to sell your house. However, when you receive an offer that makes sense for you and your family, it can be the right time. SD House Guys buy homes in San Diego.