Simple Energy Upgrades That Can Lower Your Home Costs

When you budget for a home, the mortgage payment gets most of the attention. Utility bills are easy to overlook, yet they show up every month for as long as you live there. The good news is that many energy improvements are affordable, and some take only an afternoon. Here is where to focus.

Start With Lighting

Lighting is the easiest place to begin. If your new home still has older incandescent or halogen bulbs, replacing them with LEDs is a quick win. LEDs use noticeably less electricity and last far longer, which means fewer trips up the ladder.

• Swap the bulbs you use most first, such as kitchen, living room and porch fixtures.
• Add motion sensors or timers in spots that are easy to forget, like garages, closets and outdoor lights.
• Use dimmers where they make sense, since lower light levels also reduce energy use.

Seal and Insulate

Heating and cooling usually make up a big share of a home’s energy use, and in Florida, air conditioning works hard for much of the year. If cool air leaks out, your system runs longer and your bill climbs.

Check the attic first, since that is where many homes lose the most. Then look at walls and floors where accessible. Beyond insulation, small gaps add up:

• Weatherstrip doors and caulk around windows.
• Seal openings where pipes and wires enter the house.
• Have ductwork inspected for leaks, especially in an older home.

A home energy audit from your utility company or a qualified contractor can pinpoint where your house is losing the most energy so you spend money where it counts.

Choose Efficient Appliances When It Is Time to Replace

You do not need to toss working appliances on day one. But when your refrigerator, washer, dishwasher or water heater reaches the end of its life, look for ENERGY STAR certified models. These are designed to use less energy, and some use less water as well. The upfront price may be a bit higher, but lower running costs can help make up the difference over time.

The same thinking applies to your HVAC system. A newer, properly sized system paired with a programmable or smart thermostat can make a real difference in comfort and cost.

Before you buy, ask the seller for recent utility bills if they are willing to share them. They give you a realistic picture of what the home costs to run, and they can hint at problems, such as an aging air conditioner or poor insulation, that are worth checking during your inspection.

Small Habits, Real Savings

Some savings cost nothing at all:

• Turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room.
• Plug entertainment centers and chargers into power strips you can switch off.
• Nudge the thermostat a few degrees when you are asleep or away.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
• Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

Habits like these are easy to build into a routine, and they get the whole household involved. Some utility companies also offer free online tools that show your usage by day, which makes it easier to spot what actually moves the needle.

Paying for Bigger Improvements

Larger projects such as a new roof, windows or HVAC system can be a big expense. If you are buying a home that needs this kind of work, a renovation option like the FHA 203(k) loan may let you finance qualifying improvements along with the purchase. Current homeowners with equity might consider a home equity line of credit to fund upgrades over time.

Efficiency upgrades can also make your home more appealing when you eventually sell. If you would like to explore financing options for your next project, contact FLO Mortgage and one of our loan officers will be glad to help.

This article is for general education and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and program availability. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity.