Did you know that running your air conditioning or heating costs could cost you as much as 15% of your annual mortgage payment? Saving energy and money can have a huge impact on your monthly mortgage payments. In fact, if you factor in the cost of operating and maintaining your home, it might not be such a bad idea after all to invest in some energy-efficient upgrades. 

With the right home maintenance habits, updating to more efficient appliances and fixtures, and using simple tricks to save energy, you can easily slash your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are six ways to keep your home energy-efficient and lower your monthly mortgage payments.

Install more efficient appliances and fixtures

If there’s one place where you can get the most bang for your buck, it’s in the kitchen. Replacing your fridge, dishwasher, and oven with more efficient models can save you thousands over the lifetime of your appliances, and could potentially lower your carbon footprint. Make sure to factor in the installation costs of these upgrades, but if you can keep your kitchen updated, you’ll be able to lower your energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Update to more efficient heating and cooling systems

When was the last time you had your heating and/or cooling systems inspected? It might be time to get an energy audit done, as many window units, furnaces, and air conditioners are more than 20 years old and could be significantly less efficient than they were when they were installed. If you want to help ensure that you’re lowering your energy costs and keeping your home at the right temperature, it’s a good idea to update to more efficient heating and cooling systems. 

People generally tend to think of new AC units and underfloor heating, but there are plenty of modern options out there that are equally effective like Metro Tint windows that help keep your home cool in summer and natural heating from the earth in summer. Do your research! It needn’t cost a fortune either.

Staple your laundry

Are you using your washing machine and dryer almost constantly? And if so, at what temperature? These are both energy-draining activities, so it’s a good idea to keep them as efficient as possible. If you do use these appliances constantly, it might be a good idea to try keeping them at a lower temperature and using them less often. This can have a huge impact on your energy costs, and it’s something that most people don’t think about.

Tighten up the house

Does your roof need a new coat of paint? Do the windows need to be sealed? Both of these exterior home maintenance tasks can help reduce your energy costs and keep your home more comfortable. Additionally, a regularly maintained home is less likely to suffer from high humidity, making it less likely to corrode or cause problems with your appliances.

Set up smart home devices

In order to keep an eye on your home from other locations, it’s a good idea to set up smart home devices, such as a security camera or smart thermostat. These devices can help you keep an eye on your house when you’re not there, and can even alert you if your house is about to suffer a power outage or if there’s a problem. Smart home devices don’t have to be expensive either. Many devices, including the Google Home, can be used as a voice controller, while others, like the August Doorbell Cam, are affordable, easy-to-install options.

Wrapping up

There are a number of ways that you can keep your home energy-efficient and lower your monthly mortgage payments. Replacing old appliances with more efficient models, updating to more efficient heating and cooling systems, and keeping your house as tight as possible are three easy ways to save money on your energy bill. 

If you’re looking for more ways to save money on your energy bill, you may also want to consider investing in solar panels or an electric vehicle charging station. They’re proven ways to add long-term value to your home as well! These are great ways to help keep your home more comfortable without increasing your monthly mortgage payment.