Cut Your Energy Bills with Smart Remodeling Choices

Energy bills can be one of the most significant expenses you have as a homeowner. The good news is you can take action to lower those bills. A NARI remodeler can help you make smart decisions when it comes to making selections for appliances, windows, and insulation for your project. In addition to the best product selection, YOU can also have a major impact on energy use in your home. 

What is a home's biggest environmental impact?
Beyond product selection, there are also simple changes you can make to cut energy use and create a more comfortable, efficient home. With expert guidance and thoughtful upgrades, you can enjoy long-term energy savings and a lower monthly utility bill.
Keep reading to discover key home energy facts, practical savings tips, and smart strategies to reduce your energy bills while making your home more comfortable and eco-friendly. 

What Has the Biggest Environmental Impact in a Home?
A home’s largest environmental impact comes from energy use and lasts throughout the house's life. Energy consumption contributes to air pollution and even water contamination, especially when power comes from coal-fired plants. 
The biggest energy users in most homes are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC systems), along with water heaters, which together account for roughly 60% of a home’s total energy consumption. By improving efficiency in these areas, homeowners can dramatically reduce their environmental footprint and lower monthly energy costs. 

Are Homes Today Bigger Than Ever?
Yes. Since 1950, the average size of a new single-family home has more than doubled, even as family size has decreased. With more space comes greater resource consumption and energy use, increasing the home’s overall environmental footprint. 

How Much Energy Can a Programmable Thermostat Save?
A programmable thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to one-third. Because heating is one of the largest home energy uses, even small changes can make a big difference. 

Here are some additional ways to save on heating energy:
●    Seal leaky ducts
●    Clean or replace air filters regularly
●    Upgrade to an energy-efficient furnace

Do Americans Use More Electricity Now Than in the Past?
Yes. American households today use twice as much electricity as they did in 1965. While appliances are more efficient, modern home rely on more devices, like laptops, Wi-Fi routers, and phone chargers, that continuously draw power.

What Waste Products from Power Plants Can Make Homes Greener?
Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, can be used to make concrete and drywall more environmentally friendly. Once discarded in landfills, fly ash now helps create stronger, more sustainable building materials. 

Were Most homes Built Before 1980 Poorly Insulated?
Yes. Only about 20% of homes built before 1980 were properly insulated. Upgrading insulation is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to reduce energy waste and improve indoor comfort.

What Home Technology Uses Stable Underground Temperatures to Save Energy?
Geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool your home efficiently, cutting annual energy use by 30-40% according to the U.S. EPA.

How Much Electricity is Used for Lighting in U.S. Homes?
Lighting accounts for 20-25% of U.S. electricity use, with the average household dedicating 5-10% of its energy budget to lighting alone. 

Here are a few additional ways to save:
●    Switch to LED bulbs
●    Turn off unused lights
●    Maximize natural light whenever possible

What Appliance Uses the Most Energy in Homes Without Central Air?
The refrigerator is the top energy consumer, using up to 15% of the home’s total electricity. Energy-efficient models and proper maintenance can significantly lower this number. 

How Much Can High-Performance Windows Reduce Energy Costs?
Triple-pane, low-E insulated windows can cut heating costs by up to 33% in cold climates like Boston, while double-pane, low solar-gain windows can reduce cooling costs by 32% in hot areas like Phoenix. Efficient windows not only lower bills but also improve comfort and reduce strain on HVAC systems. 

Can Planting Shade Trees Really Save Energy?
Yes. Strategically placed trees can reduce a home’s energy use by 25% or more. In summer, they can lower outdoor temperatures by up to 9°F, while in winter, they help block cold winds, reducing heating costs by about one-third. 

From better insulation to thoughtful landscaping, every upgrade you make can improve your home’s energy performance and lower its environmental impact. For expert help creating an energy-efficient home, connect with a NARI Certified Remodeler.