During the summer, the weather is warm, and people spend more time outside. It's natural to think about how your house can be more energy-efficient when you're enjoying more of Mother Nature (and potentially paying more in energy bills).

Are you looking for a way to help reduce energy consumption and reduce your monthly bills? Simple changes to your lifestyle and a few home upgrades can help you make your home more energy-efficient. Not only will you do your part to conserve essential resources, but you’ll also save money! Now, that is one thing every homeowner is interested in.

Whether you’re looking to lower your personal costs or help make your home more attractive to sell, investing in energy-efficient changes benefits everyone. In 2022, real estate agents often find that many eco-conscious buyers are looking for homes that are prepared with many of the following energy-efficient equipment options.

Get started today with these simple measures to help you create an energy-efficient home in no time.

1. Upgrade Your Windows

Many homeowners ignore the importance of properly sealed windows in helping to conserve energy. Older or drafty windows are common culprits of expensive energy bills. While replacing your windows may be costly, it is a wise investment that will help you save money in the long term. If you’re planning on selling your home soon, you get the added benefit of having new windows as a major selling point to tell prospective buyers about.

2. Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Today, many homeowners pass on traditional tanked water heaters and switch to tankless water heaters instead. A tankless version is far more energy-efficient, plus it will last much longer — a win-win in our book. Tankless water heaters can help significantly reduce your utility bills while also taking up far less space in your home. This is another smart investment in your home that will save energy and costs in the long run.

If you’re not ready to make the move to a tankless water heater, simply reducing the temperature of the water can also help to conserve energy. You can easily adjust the temperature on most traditional water heaters with the click of a button. If you can't figure out where to do this on your water heater, give a maintenance company or the manufacturer a shout.

3. Change to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Does your home have old and dated appliances that do not run well? When it’s time to replace an appliance in your home, choose one with superb energy ratings. Not only will you benefit from improved performance, but you will help to conserve energy. Outdated appliances are also an eyesore when trying to stage your home for prospective buyers, so this is another energy-saving update that will help you in the long run.

4. Consider Your Landscaping

Did you know small changes in the placement of your trees and shrubs can make a difference in your energy expenditure? Especially in older homes, we often see that good landscaping can help save energy. The shrubs or greenery serve as a barrier to block radiation that warms the home in the summer season, meaning less energy is required to cool it. In the winter, the branches help keep the heat inside the house. When buying or selling a home, pay close attention to its age and the placement of plants around its exterior.

5. Add Insulation

Poorly insulated homes can lead to drafts and uncomfortable rooms. Plus, insulation plays a vital role in helping reduce energy usage. Homes that are well insulated will retain heat better through the winter season. In the summer, less energy will be needed to cool the house. Insulation is an important consideration when buying or selling a home. Furthermore, it’s an important thing to tackle if you’re looking to simply reduce your energy usage over the long term.

6. Replace Your Bulbs

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in creating a greener, more energy-efficient home. Though it may seem like big projects make a more significant difference, small projects matter too. Replacing your light bulbs is a simple task that goes a long way. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can use up to three-quarters less energy than standard incandescent bulbs! This big difference goes a long way.