How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

An energy efficient home can cut your utility bills drastically. And you don't have to sacrifice comfort or aesthetics to a make your home more energy conscious! Here are some easy ideas on how to save money while reducing your home's energy consumption.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Habitat for Humanity’s Home is the Key campaign and its corporate partners, and I signed up to be a part of this campaign because I believe so strongly in their purpose, and what they stand for. Ensuring everyone has a safe home is so important, and I couldn’t be more excited to partner with this organization to spread the word this Spring.

Lowering costs related to housing is a big deal. Did you know that almost 19 million U.S. households spend more than half their paycheck on housing costs? I can only imagine how difficult it is for these families to make the tough choices between their housing, healthcare, education and transportation. Habitat’s Home is the Key campaign aims to demonstrate how a decent, affordable home creates a better life for families and individuals. Decent, affordable housing can create big changes and improve health outcomes for many families by freeing up resources for good food and health care expenses. After you read my tips on how to lower energy costs in your home, make sure to head on to the bottom of this post to see how you can support Habitat for Humanity this Spring and help this cause!

I feel very privileged that we were able to build our home in 2013 with energy efficiency in mind. We were able to include some things that helped keep our utility bills low like spray foam insulation and in-floor heating which has been a huge help for our family. You don't have to make huge changes to help reduce your home's energy consumption, though! The following are some simple ideas on how you can save money by making your home more energy efficient.

Turn Down Your Heat

Lowering the thermostat even a little can make a drastic change in your heating bill. One idea is to install a programmable thermostat that allows you to have the temperature lower automatically when you're away or sleeping. We love our Nest thermostat and have been using it for over 5 years! Use cozy decor accessories like plush rugs, cozy pillows and fuzzy throw blankets to help keep your house warm and cozy instead of cranking up the thermostat.

Be Water Wise

Reducing water use and water heating in your home is a great way to save on bills and be kinder to the environment. You can install toilets that use a dual flush system so that you use less water, or you can even consider installing a tankless hot water system in your home that heats and cools water less expensively. More simple solutions include lowering the temperature of your hot water, washing larger loads of laundry so you're not washing as often, and taking shorter showers.

Swap out Bulbs and Turn Things Off

It's so easy to swap all of your light bulbs out for energy saving LED versions.  LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, and they use far less electricity. Turning off and unplugging all of your electronics after use is also a great way to use less electricity - turn off your computer when you're done with it, turn lights off after you leave a room, unplug your phone chargers... it's so easy once you get into the habit!

Now tell me: Do you do any of these things to help lower your utility bills? What other ways do you make your home more energy efficient?

Let's help people get into decent, affordable homes by supporting Habitat for Humanity this Spring in these 3 easy ways:

1: Visit: habitat.org/homeisthekey and make a donation.

2: Shop to Support:

• Chico’s FAS: Donate in-store or online at any of the Chico’s FAS brands mentioned below:
  • Chico’s: Every sale of a signature Slub Tee Shirt from April 1 – May 31 will support Habitat, as well as $5 from the sale of each gift card over $25 in value, up to $100,000.
• White House Black Market: From April 1 – May 31, White House Black Market will donate $5 from the sale of each gift card over $25 in value, up to $50,000.
• Soma Intimates: From April 1 – May 31, Soma will donate $5 from the sale of each gift card over $25 in value, up to $50,000.
• At Home: In addition to featuring Habitat as the register fundraising partner throughout April, At Home will donate $4.55 per coaster from the sale of select coaster sets that give back to Habitat, beginning in April until supplies last.
• O-Cedar: O-Cedar will donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity for every ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop sold by O-Cedar to any U.S. retail channel in the U.S. from April 1 to June 15.

3: Share:

• Nissan will donate $5 every time #HomeIsTheKey is shared on social media in April.

Let's help more people have a safe, affordable home this year!