Home energy efficiency is super important for the sake of the environment, and can save you major money, too! We’re sharing a few of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Replace or seal your windows

New windows are expensive, and it can be tempting to go the cheap route, but the truth is, old, cheap windows can actually cost you major money in the long run! Windows that aren’t properly insulated can cause your heating bill to skyrocket – and who wants a perpetually chilly house? If upgrading your windows isn’t in the budget right now (more on windows here,) you can temporarily fix this problem by sealing your windows for the colder months.

Lower your thermostat

You probably don’t need your home to be quite as cool in the summer or warm in the winter as you think. Adjusting your thermostat up or down just a couple degrees can make a big impact on your heating or cooling bills! Investing in a smart thermostat is a great, easy way to set your temperature accordingly for when you’re home versus when you’re out of the house, and saving major money along the way.

Switch to LED lights

Lighting accounts for about 12% of the average energy bill, according to Energy Star. When you think through all the lights that you need to light up your home, it’s no wonder! Switching your regular bulbs for LEDs is a no-brainer: LED lights use less energy and last longer than regular lightbulbs, saving you money both immediately and in the long run.

Unplug electronics you aren’t using

Leaving laptops, TVs and other electronics plugged in all the time can quickly rack up a high energy bill. Consider unplugging chargers when you aren’t using them, and charging your electronics during the day rather than leaving them plugged in overnight for longer than necessary. It may seem like a small thing, but little things do add up!

Make sure your appliances are energy efficient

Especially if you have older appliances in your home, they may be a major energy vacuum! Updating to newer appliances is an investment that will pay off in the long run. If you’d rather not update just yet, small changes, like only running the dishwasher and washing machine when you have full loads, or using a clothesline to dry clothes instead of the dryer, can make a big impact.

Solar panels

If you plan to be in your home for a long time, you might consider investing in solar panels to power your home. The cost is high up-front, so this isn’t the right choice for a short-term home, but if you stay in your home long enough, the savings in your energy bill can be more than worth it. Electrical companies will actually pay you for the solar energy you have leftover each month!