5 DIY Projects to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is as simple or as complicated as you choose to make it. Basic habit changes, like turning the lights off in any room not in use, can add up to significant reductions in your electric bill over time, but larger changes to your home’s structure tend to have a larger impact.

If you’re looking for long-term savings on your energy bill or a project to improve your home, consider these five DIY projects:

  1. Programmable Thermostat Installation. Buying a programmable thermostat and installing it is a simple way to keep your house’s temperature regulated efficiently. The installation process is usually straightforward, and once installed you’ll be able to restrict your heating and cooling to only what you need.
  2. Ceiling Fan Installation. Ceiling fans do much more than most people realize. Ceiling fans help circulate air throughout the house, keeping it cooler in summer months, but they can also keep your house warmer in winter by pushing warm air to lower levels of your house.
  3. Window Insulation. If you don’t want to install completely new windows, you can use caulk and weather stripping to your window’s perimeter. Insulating drapes could be a nice extra touch to improve the windows’ insulating power.
  4. Door Insulation. Similar to the process for windows, you can apply weather stripping to a door’s frame and use a door sweep to keep your doors well insulated.
  5. Install Solar Panels. If you want to reduce your dependence on traditional energy, consider installing budget solar panels on your roof.

Home improvement projects aren’t the only way to lower your electricity bill. You can also use a resource like Star Energy Partners to compare electricity offers and potentially switch energy providers. A few basic steps toward energy efficiency can go a long way!