When building or remodeling, try to think long-term. Energy efficient home upgrades not only reduce your utility bills—they also make your home more comfortable, cleaner for the environment, and appealing. Whether you’re designing a custom home or upgrading your existing space, there are a few energy efficient home upgrades that stand out as must-haves.
In this article, we’ll break down the top 5 energy efficient home upgrades that you’ll want to implement in your new home build or remodel.
Energy efficient home upgrades
1. Spray Foam Insulation
Good insulation is one of the biggest factors of an efficient home. Spray foam creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air in during winter and blocks heat in the summer. This is especially helpful when living in Cache Valley due to the drastic temperature swings. Spray foam performs much better than traditional fiberglass batts, especially in areas like attics, rim joists, and basements. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, the long-term savings on heating and cooling can be huge when looking long-term.
2. High-Efficiency HVAC System
Your heating and cooling system is one of the biggest energy users in your home. Upgrading to a high-efficiency unit—like a 95%+ and a 16+ SEER air conditioner can cut your energy use by 20–30%. Add a smart thermostat such as an Ecobee or Nest for even more control and savings, especially during Utah’s hot summers and cold winters. These are smart thermostats that will keep your home in a comfortable 5-degree window. Some will even sense if you are in the home to determine what temperature the home should be at. Learn more about these smart thermostats at Ecobees website.
3. Double-Pane Windows
Windows are a major source of heat loss and gain. Double-pane windows with Low-E coatings help regulate indoor temperatures, minimize drafts, and reduce noise. They’re especially helpful in homes with large south- or west-facing windows, and they contribute significantly to your home’s overall energy efficiency. You can also look into tinting these windows to further increase the efficiency. Pick the rooms that the sun effects most and consider tinting these windows.
4. LED Lighting
LED lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable energy efficient home upgrades. LEDs use up to 80% less electricity and last much longer than traditional bulbs. Some state they will last up to 60,000 hours! For maximum savings, consider a smart home system that allows you to control your lighting from your phone. You can put timers on each room and even set up certain scenes depending on what lights you would like turned on throughout the day. Plus, you can avoid walking through your home to turn off the lights and do it all from the convenience of your phone.
5. Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters constantly keep water hot, even when you’re not using it. A tankless system heats water on demand, making it far more efficient. It also takes up less space and provides an endless supply of hot water—ideal for growing families or homes with high use. Most plumbers will recommend using this in combination with a water softener to increase the lifespan on the tankless water heater. Here is a neat article from Consumer Reports that compares a tankless water heater with a traditional water heater.
Make the Most of Your Energy Efficient Home Upgrades
If you’re building from scratch, integrating energy efficient home upgrades early will save money in the long run and increase your comfort from day one. If you’re renovating, start with high-impact areas like insulation, HVAC, and windows, then layer in smaller improvements like lighting and water heaters.
At DP Build, we work with homeowners across Cache Valley to design homes that are not only beautiful—but efficient, smart, and built to last. We’ll help you prioritize the right features based on your vision and budget.
Ready to make your home more energy-efficient?
Let’s talk about upgrades that save you money and make your space more comfortable through all 4 Cache Valley Seasons. Contact DP Build today for an in-person consultation!