Essential Things to Do to Save Energy in a New Home

• Conduct an initial home energy assessment to pinpoint high–consumption areas and target improvements.
• Track energy use via bills and consider professional or DIY audits to uncover hidden inefficiencies.
• Optimize heating and cooling with routine HVAC maintenance and programmable thermostats.
• Improve insulation and seal air leaks around attics, windows, and doors to minimize heat loss and gain.
• Adopt simple habits—upgrade to efficient appliances, switch to long-lasting LED lighting, and unplug idle electronics—for lasting savings.

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—and a perfect opportunity to embrace energy efficiency from day one. Cutting your energy consumption not only lowers utility bills but also reduces your environmental impact.

From tuning up your heating and cooling systems to sealing drafts and updating appliances, a few strategic upgrades can turn your home into a comfortable, eco-friendly haven. Here’s how to get started.

Why Assess?

A thorough energy assessment reveals where your home loses the most heat or cool air so you can tackle the biggest problems first.

How to Proceed

• Professional Audit: A trained auditor uses diagnostic tools to locate leaks and insulation gaps.
• DIY Audit: Check for drafts around doors and windows with a lit candle or incense stick. Review past energy bills for usage spikes.

Combining both methods gives you a clear, actionable roadmap.

• Review Your Bills: Break down monthly usage to identify which seasons—summer or winter—drive up costs.
• Track “Phantom Loads”: Unplug chargers, TVs, and other electronics when not in use, or plug them into power strips you can switch off.

Many utility providers offer online tools to help you spot high-usage appliances and set realistic reduction goals.

HVAC Maintenance

• Replace Filters every 30–60 days to improve airflow and system efficiency.
• Clear Vents of furniture or debris to ensure even heating and cooling.
• Annual Service: Have a technician inspect coils, refrigerant levels, and ductwork for leaks and wear.

Programmable Thermostats

• Set Schedules: Lower heating or cooling when you’re away or asleep to reduce energy consumption.
• Smart Features: If available, use remote access or learning features to fine-tune settings automatically.

These steps can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.

Key Areas to Insulate

• Attic and Roof: Since heat rises, proper attic insulation keeps your living spaces more stable year-round.
• Basements and Crawl Spaces: Insulating walls here prevents cold drafts from affecting upper floors.
• Exterior Walls: Adding or improving insulation in walls reduces temperature swings and system run-time.

Sealing Leaks

• Spot Drafts: Hold a candle near window frames, door edges, and utility lines; flickering indicates airflow.
• Seal Gaps: Use caulking or weatherstripping on small cracks and expanding foam for larger openings.

Addressing leaks can eliminate up to 30% of heating and cooling losses.

• Efficient Appliances: When it’s time to replace, select models with high efficiency ratings to reduce electricity use.
• LED Lighting: These bulbs use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
• Power Management: Use power strips to completely cut power to electronics when they’re not in use.

These simple changes quickly add up to significant savings over time.

By assessing your energy use, fine-tuning key systems, tightening up leaks, and embracing energy-saving habits, you’ll enjoy lower bills and a more comfortable living environment. These strategies set your new home on a path toward long-term efficiency and sustainability.

Ready to make the change? Get in touch with Preston Trail Homes—we’re here to support you every step of the way!

What is the first step in conducting a home energy audit?

The first step is assessing energy usage through your energy bill. From there, decide between a professional audit or a DIY approach. Professionals supported by local utility rebates often perform detailed evaluations, while a DIY audit involves identifying inefficiencies, such as air leaks, using energy management tools.

How often should HVAC systems be maintained?

HVAC systems require maintenance at least once a year to ensure energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Regularly cleaning vents, changing the lint filter, and scheduling annual inspections not only prolong system life but also ensure optimal performance with lower utility costs.

What are common areas where homes lose energy due to poor insulation?

Common areas for energy loss include attics, external walls, and uninsulated basements. Improperly sealed windows and doors also contribute to heat loss. Upgrading insulation in these areas prevents unnecessary energy consumption and lowers your energy bill while improving home comfort.