Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to mean a major renovation. In many homes, energy is lost through small air leaks, outdated equipment, poor insulation and everyday habits that are relatively easy to address.
Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for years or thinking about selling, improving efficiency can help lower energy use, make rooms more comfortable and reduce some of the ongoing costs of homeownership.
Start With Air Leaks
Small gaps around windows, exterior doors, baseboards and other openings can allow heated or cooled air to escape.
Check weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace it when it becomes worn or damaged. Caulking gaps around window and door frames can also help reduce drafts.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, where homes deal with plenty of wind and cold weather, sealing these small gaps can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
Take a Look at Your Insulation
Insulation plays a major role in keeping heat inside during winter and outside during warmer weather.
Attics are a good place to start. If insulation is inadequate, compressed or uneven, adding more may improve the home’s ability to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Basements, crawl spaces and exterior walls can also be areas of heat loss, particularly in older homes.
Use Your Heating System Wisely
Heating is a significant household energy expense, so even small adjustments can help.
Programmable and smart thermostats make it easier to adjust temperatures based on your daily schedule. Lowering the temperature when you’re asleep or away can reduce unnecessary heating without affecting comfort when you’re home.
Regular maintenance is also important. Keep heating equipment serviced as recommended and clean or replace filters where applicable.
Consider Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
If your heating system is aging, it may be worth looking at more efficient options when replacement time comes.
Heat pumps have become a popular choice for many homeowners because they can provide both heating and cooling while using electricity efficiently. The right system will depend on the home, its layout and existing heating equipment.
Before making a major change, speak with a qualified professional who can assess what makes sense for your property.
Switch to LED Lighting
This is one of the easiest upgrades to make.
LED bulbs use considerably less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and typically last much longer. Start with the fixtures you use most often, then replace other bulbs as needed.
Outdoor lighting, basement fixtures and rooms where lights tend to stay on for long periods are good places to check.
Pay Attention to Appliances
When an appliance reaches the end of its useful life, energy efficiency is worth considering when choosing its replacement.
Look at the energy consumption information provided with refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances. ENERGY STAR® certified products can also help identify models that meet specific efficiency standards.
There’s usually no need to replace a working appliance simply for the sake of efficiency. The better opportunity often comes when replacement is already necessary.
Don’t Forget About Hot Water
Water heating can account for a significant portion of household energy use.
Fix dripping hot-water taps, wash clothes in cold water when appropriate and avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine with very small loads. Low-flow showerheads can also reduce the amount of hot water being used.
If your water heater is older, ask a qualified professional about efficiency when it eventually needs replacement.
Make Use of Natural Light
Your window coverings can also play a small role in managing indoor comfort. Adjust blinds and curtains throughout the day based on the amount of sunlight coming into each room, especially in areas that receive strong direct sun.
It’s a simple habit that costs nothing.
Think About Efficiency Before Renovating
If you’re already planning renovations, it can be a good time to consider energy improvements.
Replacing windows, finishing a basement, renovating exterior walls or upgrading a heating system may create opportunities to improve insulation, air sealing or equipment efficiency at the same time.
Planning these improvements together may be easier than going back to address them later.
Energy Efficiency Can Matter When Selling
Buyers increasingly pay attention to the ongoing costs of owning a home. Features such as heat pumps, upgraded insulation, newer windows and efficient heating systems can be appealing, particularly when utility costs are a concern.
If you’ve completed energy-related upgrades, keep invoices, warranty information and details about the work. These records can be helpful when it’s time to sell.
Start With the Basics
You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start by looking for drafts, checking insulation, reviewing how you use heating and hot water, and identifying older equipment that may need replacement in the coming years.
A few practical improvements can make your home more comfortable while helping you use energy more efficiently — and that’s worthwhile whether you’re staying put or preparing for a future sale.