Are you considering some energy-efficient home upgrades to save money? It’s a smart move! The average California household spends around $298 on electricity each month—23% more than the national average. By making a few eco-friendly home upgrades, you can reduce home energy costs significantly while contributing to a greener planet.
Do Your Own Research
The amount of money you can save with home-energy improvements depends on a number of factors, many of which are related to where you live. Here are a few key questions to guide your decisions regarding which upgrades are right for you.
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- What are the upfront costs of the improvement in your local area? Consider the price of the materials and installation expenses.
- Are there any rebates, tax credits, or incentives available? Be sure to stay informed about potential government policy changes.
- How will this upgrade affect your home’s value? Look at comparable home sales in your region to see what energy-efficient features influence market value.
- Will you be in your home long enough to get a good return on your investment? If you plan to move soon, consider how much you can recoup in the short term.
- How much will this improvement help your budget? Calculate potential savings to see if the investment is worth it.
- Are there more affordable alternatives? Sometimes, a simpler upgrade can deliver similar benefits at a lower cost.
Get a Home Energy Audit
Before you make any plans regarding home improvements, start with a home energy audit, which identifies areas where your home is wasting energy. If you’d like to do your own audit, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments. However, for a much more thorough analysis of your home’s energy use, hire a certified energy assessor. Get recommendations for finding one by visiting Professional Home Energy Assessments.
Weigh Your Options
As you research which energy-efficient home upgrades are right for you, here are some options to consider:
Add Sealing and Insulation
No matter where you live, your home can probably use more insulation! In fact, nine out of ten U.S. homes don’t have enough. If you add insulation and seal air leaks around your home—including weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows—you could save up to 10% on your yearly energy bills.
Install Smart-Home Technology
Make technology your ally in saving money! For example, a smart thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature when no one is home, can lower your heating and cooling expenses by about 8%. With other types of smart-home automation, you can control your lighting, monitor energy use, and more—all from your smartphone.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which shows that an appliance has been independently verified to meet rigorous energy-efficiency standards. For example, washing machines with this label use about 20% less energy than regular washers. A wide variety of ENERGY STAR products are available—everything from televisions to pool pumps.
Put in Energy-Efficient Windows
Your current windows may account for 25-30% of your home’s heating and cooling expenses. The average California household that replaces single-pane windows with energy-efficient windows can expect to save about $125—and it’s even more for people who live in Arcata. They can save an average of $160 a year.
Invest in Solar Panels
A U.S. homeowner with rooftop solar panels can expect to save about $50,000 over 25 years—the usual lifespan of the panels. A Californian can expect to recoup the cost of their system in a little more than five years—after factoring in the federal tax credit. Plus, with net metering, you can sell excess energy back to your utility company.
Set Up a Home Energy Storage System
Instead of selling your excess solar energy, you can store it for later use with a whole-house battery. You can also charge your battery directly from the grid. If you live in an area with time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates, a battery can store energy when rates are low for use when rates are more expensive. It’s also very useful during a power outage!
Finance Your Upgrades with a HELOC from Coast Central
Start your journey to a greener, more cost-effective home today! Get a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Coast Central. You can borrow money as needed, just like a credit card, without committing to a large lump sum. Plus, you’ll get lower interest rates than you would with a credit card or personal loan.
In celebration of Coast Central’s 75th anniversary, take advantage of a limited-time, low-rate HELOC offer: 3.75% APR* promotional rate, in effect for nine months, with no points and no fees. (The current variable rate is 7.50% APR*.) The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025. Apply today! We’re happy to answer any questions you have!
Coast Central – Where YOU are central.
*All loans subject to approval of credit, income verification and property valuation. APR is Annual Percentage Rate, and 3.75% is the current promotional APR for new primary residence (not manufactured homes) home equity lines from $25,000 up to $200,000, and 80% combined loan-to-value (CLTV). After 12/31/25, the APR will adjust to the variable rate offered at that time, which may not increase more than 6% over the non-introductory start rate (note rate). The minimum rate may not decrease below 3.50% after any introductory period has elapsed. A $25,000 draw required at loan closing. 10-year draw and 15-year amortization terms. No-fee offer is not applicable for third party fees such as sub-escrow, other miscellaneous title fees or professional appraisal charges which may be required. Minimum 650 FICO score required. Home Equity Lines of Credit are also available on non-owner-occupied properties with different rates. Additional terms and conditions may apply.