In today’s world it’s increasingly possible to create an energy efficient home. Every day there are new products on the market that help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and decrease our electricity bills at the same time. Here are our favorite 14 ways to create an energy efficient home.

1. LED Lighting: Updating your home lighting to LEDs will not only decrease your electricity bill but will also keep your house cooler. Traditionally lighting lets off significant heat whereas LEDs stay cool to the touch when turned on. LED bulbs are 55% more efficient than other bulbs, have no hazardous materials and are much more durable than traditional lighting. You won’t have to change a bulb for 10 years.
2. Sensors, Timers and dimmers: If your family members are notorious for leaving the lights on, sensors and timers could be a great way for you to keep your electricity bill under control. Dimmers also save on electricity while offering ambiance to your living spaces.
3. Solar Panel System: With all of these energy saving techniques listed here, your house won’t require as much electricity. Now you can be fitted for a solar panel system that fits this reduced energy load. This means your solar panel system will be less expensive. Be sure to implement as many electricity saving techniques as possible before you get a solar quote. There is no need to pay for a larger system than you need.
4. Solar Water Heater: Another way to decrease your dependence on the grid is to install a solar water heater. It doesn’t matter if you live in a cold place! All you need is sunlight for a few hours per day. Another trick is to not take half hour showers which is a pretty easy compromise.
5. Double pained windows: Replacing those old windows with double pained windows will better insulate your house. In the summer you won’t need so much AC and in the winter you won’t be running the heat as often. A big bonus is the reduction in outside noise coming in.
6. Close those blinds: This is an easy one to forget. Closing your blinds during the day will drastically reduce the amount of heat radiating through your windows and into your house and will keep the temperature down.
7. Attic fan: If your house has a pitched roof you should be able to install an attic fan. What does it do? It sucks all the hot air out of your house and releases it out the top. Attic fans use much less electricity than an AC unit so before you turn the air conditioning on, run the attic fan to see if that will keep the temperature comfortable instead.
8. Native plants: Getting into to water efficiency here, planting native plants around your garden will drastically reduce your water usage each month. Native plants are made to thrive in your area which means they really shouldn’t require much of any maintenance.
9. Rain water barrels: Another great way to reduce water usage is to install a rain water barrel catchment system in your yard and use that water for your garden. They are affordable and easy to install.
10. Update your HVAC: If your HVAC is ancient, it’s probably a good idea to have it checked out. Chances are it needs some attention and may need an update which will further reduce your energy load.
11. Low flow fixtures: It’s so easy to turn a faucet on high and leave it running while brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc. Low flow fixtures cut down on the amount of water coming out of the faucet limiting the amount of water wasted in these moments.
12. Check your insulation: If your home is over 30 years old another smart step to take is checking on your insulation. If you’re in the process of remodeling and have walls open already it will be easy to do. You can also check up in your attic or basement areas where most homes don’t have drywall making it easy to get a look.
13. Energy efficient appliances: If you have it in the budget to replace appliances there are numerous brands implementing energy efficiency in their products. Washers, dryers and dishwashers have come a long way and are now designed to drain fewer resources.
14. Programmable thermostat: These compact tools pack a punch. Programmable thermostats make it possible for you to select your ideal temperature along with your daily schedule and the thermostat monitors the temperature accordingly. This means you never have to blast the AC or heat needlessly.