The average homeowner could save up to 30 percent on their utility bills by making a few energy efficiency changes.

With so many options to help improve energy efficiency, it can be intimidating to know where to start.

Read below to discover five ways to improve energy efficiency in your home and start saving today.

1. Insulate Areas in Your Home

Proper insulation allows you to retain the heat and cool air you pump into your home. Without proper insulation, the air will escape your home via the roof and walls and more money will escape from your wallet.

Make sure to insulate any attic space, exterior walls, and your basement or foundation. While you’re at it, insulation is used for more than energy efficiency such as silencing your pipes or moving fragile items.

2. Replace Windows and Doors

Replacing your windows and doors can be costly, but this is one of the best ways to see the greatest results. Replacing a few windows or doors at a time can have huge results.

Search for the best replacements for your home based on style, product rating, and price range. Vinyl windows have superior energy efficiency over other types of windows. For help from professionals, view here.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat takes the guesswork out of how to make your home more energy efficient. These wifi-enabled devices control your home’s heating and cooling temperatures for optimum performance.

These work by learning your temperature preference and your schedule. After a few days, the smart thermostat will adjust if you are sleeping or away from your home.

4. Adjust Your Water Heater

People tend to forget about their water heater so spending a few minutes to adjust yours can help energy efficiency. The first thing you will want to do is make sure the temperature is not set above 120 degrees.

While you’re at it, insulate the pipes surrounding your water heater. This will allow your water heater to maintain its temperature without wasting more energy.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can replace your electric water heater with an air source heat pump water heater. These can use half the energy of your old electric water heater.

5. Look at Your Home Energy Score

If you’re looking to make energy efficient improvements across your home, consult with an energy auditor. An auditor will look at your home’s current efficiency and suggest improvements based on your Home Energy Score.

The Home Energy Score will take in to affect your behavior, site conditions, and climate. This whole-house approach is possible with both existing or new homes.

Other Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency

There is a multitude of other ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. Try out some of these other options:

• Installing solar panels
• Use compact fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent light bulbs
• Replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency system
• Unplug your electronics when they aren’t in use

Once you’ve conquered an energy efficient home, look to our home and garden section for your next project.