A lot of the most worthwhile home improvements are those that offer ongoing savings. When you make improvements that help you use less energy in your home, you’ll reduce your monthly energy expenses while also doing your part to live a more eco friendly home life. Here are some affordable ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Replace an Outdated Water Heater

When your old water heater isn’t getting the job done, it can be a source of considerable discomfort and inconvenience. Moreover, it can drive up your energy bill while it's working harder than it should have to but still not adequately meeting your needs. A new energy efficient water heater will work better and use less energy. If you need help from a water heater company in Agoura Hills, contact a company that specializes in installing water heaters for a competitive estimate.

Buy New Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances

ENERGY STAR rated appliances are an excellent choice to swap out outdated kitchen appliances. New models will require less energy, and they’ll work better. For extra savings, be smart about how you use them. For example, turn off the heated dry function on your dishwasher. Also, don’t keep your refrigerator door open for an extended period of time unnecessarily; decide what you want to take out before you open the door.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

An HVAC system that’s more than ten years old probably isn’t working it as well as it used to, and it likely isn’t as energy efficient as a newer model. Furthermore, a system that hasn’t been well-maintained with annual cleaning and calibration is likely to have diminished functionality. A new system can produce stronger cooling and heating power, reducing the amount of time that you need to keep it on throughout the day. For maximum efficiency, install a programmable thermostat. You can control your system from anywhere, and you won’t need to keep it running all day to enjoy a comfortable temperature when you get home.

Insulate Your Home

Adding insulation to your home can help your HVAC system operate more efficiently. With insulation in the areas of your home that are most susceptible to the elements outside, you can run your system for less time than you would ordinarily need to run it. In particular, the top level of your home tends to lose most of its heat, and it takes the brunt of the sunlight that makes your air conditioning have to work harder. Foam insulation is relatively inexpensive, and you can get professional help affordably.

Install New Windows

Energy efficient windows will also help insulate your home and enable you to get the most out of your HVAC system. When there’s hot or cold weather outside, you won’t lose all of your climate controlled air through failing windows. While new windows may cost a little more than some home improvements, you may be able to get a rebate. In addition, they can protect your home from costly damage due to a weather event as well as safeguard it against water intrusion and excess humidity that can cause mold to form.

Making some affordable home improvements that will allow you to live more sustainably serves several important goals. You can reduce ongoing energy costs, create a more comfortable and functional home environment, make your home more valuable, and help take action against the climate crisis. Changing how you use energy is an integral part of a collective effort to preserve the environment. When you’re choosing what home improvements to take on first, prioritize the ones that will make your home more eco friendly.