Ready to make your home a little more energy-efficient? It’s not just about saving money on energy bills. You can also make your home more comfortable. Try these seven ideas, big and small, that work together to make a truly energy-efficient home.

1. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs

A good light bulb can keep you from spending a ton of money on energy. Light bulbs are a smart investment to make because they use less energy and last longer than other bulbs. There are so many different types of light bulbs out there but most energy-efficient bulbs will just set you back about $3-$5 each. This is much less expensive than major appliances or new windows, which would be thousands of dollars. The energy-efficient light bulbs can work also as a good gift, if you know any energy efficiency lover, this plus many other good gift than you can learn about by clicking here.

2. Update or Improve Your HVAC System

With new technologies and more efficient air conditioning units, your new HVAC system can significantly save on your energy bills all year round. In the winter, a well-installed HVAC can heat your house while in the summer it can cool the air to keep things bearable. Your HVAC is an essential part of your home, which is why you should buy one with a high rating from Energy Star. It should also be the right size for your home with less to zero noise (you can check that using a sound level meter). You can find out what size you need with a heat-loss calculation that your contractor can perform.

After installing a new heating and cooling system, make sure to schedule annual servicing. Doing this will keep your unit running smoothly for years to come. It’s also wise to use media filters with antimaterial coatings. These filters will improve the air quality in your home!

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3. Improve Your Insulation

The easiest way to make your home more energy efficient is to improve its insulation. The best place to start is your attic, which includes the floor and the rafters. Improving your insulation could save as much as 10-50% of your heating bill!

There are many types of insulation. The cheapest (but also the least effective) is insulation batts, which are long rolls that can be cut to fit a space with standard joist spacing. They cost about $0.40 to $1 per square foot. For non-standard or difficult-to-reach spaces, insulation loose-fill is a better choice and costs about $1.20 to $2 per square foot.

4. Your Appliances’ Energy Efficiency

When replacing appliances in your home, look for those with high Energy Star ratings. An excellent design will make all the difference. For example, a front-loading washing machine not only dries clothes better and more efficiently, it also uses less water.

Your fridge and other appliances should be operated efficiently. One step you can take to optimize the performance of existing ones is to keep an inch of space around them, on all sides. This allows better air circulation, improving cooling. Additionally, be sure to clean the refrigerator’s cooling coil at least once a year. That way, you’ll avoid becoming overwhelmed with dust and debris buildup.

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Saving energy at home is both a long-term, large-scale goal and a daily practice. It’s important to analyze your home to see where the weak spots are and prioritize investments in energy efficiency. For example, some actionable steps you can take that result in savings: replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs, seal your duct system, install a programmable thermostat, and clean your refrigerator coils.