Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades to Consider in the New Year
The new year is the perfect time to invest in energy-efficient home upgrades that improve comfort, lower utility bills, and increase the overall value of your home. With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, many homeowners are looking for smart, practical ways to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing their comfort.
Why Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades?
Energy-efficient upgrades provide benefits that extend far beyond lower utility bills. Homeowners who invest in efficiency improvements often enjoy:
- Lower monthly energy and water costs, even during peak seasons
- Improved indoor comfort, with more consistent temperatures and better airflow
- Reduced environmental impact through lower energy and water usage
- Increased home value and market appeal
- Potential rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives
Many energy-efficient upgrades pay for themselves over time through reduced operating costs, making them a smart financial decision as well as a comfort upgrade.
Top Energy-Efficient HVAC & Plumbing Upgrades for Homeowners
1. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System
If your heating or cooling system is more than 10–15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can significantly reduce energy usage and improve reliability while also lowering your heating and cooling bills.
Modern HVAC systems feature:
- Higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings
- Variable-speed motors that adjust output based on demand
- Improved humidity and temperature control
- Quieter, more consistent operation
2. Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most cost-effective energy-efficient upgrades homeowners can make when they want to make their home more efficient, and the savings don't take long to be seen.
Key benefits of a smart thermostat include:
- Automatic temperature adjustments based on your schedule
- Reduced energy use when you’re away from home
- Remote control via smartphone or tablet
- Detailed energy usage reports that help identify savings opportunities
3. Consider a Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters continuously heat and store water even when it’s not being used. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, making them significantly more energy efficient and allowing for much more hot water no matter the number of people in your home. JF Denney recommends the Rinnai brand.
Advantages of tankless water heaters include:
- Lower overall energy consumption
- Endless hot water for showers and appliances
- Longer lifespan compared to traditional tank heaters
- Compact, space-saving design
4. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures
Water efficiency plays a major role in overall home energy use. High-efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption without making sacrifices to comfort. Upgrading can help lower water bills and reduce the demand placed on water heaters.
Popular water-saving upgrades include:
- Low-flow toilets that use less water per flush
- Water-efficient showerheads that maintain strong pressure
- High-efficiency faucets with aerators
5. Improve Home Insulation and Air Sealing
Even the most efficient HVAC system can’t perform well if your home is losing heated or cooled air because of gaps in the sealing. To reduce the workload on your HVAC system you must ensure that you have proper insulation. This helps lower bills and keep you comfortable year-round.
Energy-saving improvements to consider:
- Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets
- Upgrading attic, wall, and crawl space insulation
- Sealing and insulating ductwork
Start the New Year with Smarter Energy Choices
Energy-efficient upgrades are an investment in your home’s comfort, performance, and long-term savings. Whether you’re considering a system upgrade, planning a remodel, or just exploring ways to reduce energy costs, JF Denney's skilled sales team and technicians are here to help you every step of the way.
Why You Should Choose JF Denney
For more than 60 Years, JF Denney has been a top leader in plumbing and HVAC in the Kansas City Area. Being a family-owned and local company, we are committed to sending our trustworthy technicians to provide top-notch service to our customers and saving them money where it counts the most. Contact JF Denney for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs --
We work hard to earn your referral!