Wondering how to build a sustainable home that lowers your footprint and your bills? Here are six simple steps to a more energy-efficient home, starting with insulation, solar panels and a home battery.
More than half of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling, according to research from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). If you want to cut those costs, then a good place to start with is ensuring your home has the right insulation.
Insulation acts as a thermal barrier in your home, helping to keep heat from moving in or out. The most common types are made from fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam, and are typically found in attics, walls, floors, basements, and crawl spaces. Most homes have some form of insulation, but it can settle, become damaged, or lose effectiveness over time. So, it’s worth checking whether yours is still doing its job.
Here’s why improving your insulation is the first step in building a sustainable home:
Good insulation is especially important if you have a heat pump. Insulation helps your heat pump maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without having to work harder than it needs to. Your home will use less energy, which means lower bills and less impact on the environment.
Insulation also stops moisture and condensation from building up in your home. This helps reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
Lastly, good insulation can add value to your home. Research suggests that energy-efficient homes can sell for around 2% to 8% more than properties without adequate insulation.
After you’ve improved your home’s insulation, the next step is to make the switch to a more sustainable way of powering your home.
Installing solar panels is one of the best ways to cut your electricity bills and lower the environmental impact of your home. There are now more than six million solar installations throughout the US.
Recent research sheds light on why so many people are making the switch to solar power. 76% of US homeowners who participated in a 2024 study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory were able to reduce their energy burden with rooftop solar panels. The median household saved $1,987 a year on energy bills.
And since you’re using less electricity generated by fossil fuels, solar panels will also reduce the amount of CO2 your home produces and cut your overall carbon footprint.
Did you know solar panels can still generate electricity when the sun isn’t shining?
Solar panels generate electricity from any available daylight, even when it’s cloudy or overcast. So, they can keep producing electricity throughout the winter. Check out this blog to learn more about the benefits of solar panels.
Want to know how you can start saving with solar? Take a look at Switch Together’s group buying program.
Many people with rooftop solar also invest in a solar battery. A good solar battery can help you get the most from your system and make sure you're using your energy as efficiently as possible.
Solar panels can’t generate electricity when the sun isn’t shining. So, what happens on cloudy days or at night?
Some homeowners simply return to drawing energy from the grid. But if you have a home battery, you can store the electricity your solar panels generate and then use it during the evenings or on overcast days.
If your home needs more electricity than your solar panels are producing, you will draw power from the battery first. If the battery runs out, your home will automatically draw power from the grid.
And when your battery is full, all that surplus energy is fed back into the grid. Depending on what state you’re in, you may be able to be compensated for this electricity.You can find out more about what net metering regulations apply to you at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).
Here’s why a home battery makes sense:
You can save even more on your energy costs: A solar battery gives you more control over your self energy consumption. You can use your own electricity before drawing additional energy from the grid, which typically results in lower electricity bills.
You’ll be less reliant on your energy provider: Your solar panels and solar battery can cover much of your home’s electricity needs. You’ll only need to draw power from the grid when your panels aren’t producing enough and your battery has run out.
You can keep the lights on during outages: If your battery is set up for backup power, it can keep essential appliances running when the grid goes down.
Protect yourself from rising electricity rates: Using more of your own solar power means you’re less affected by changes in energy prices. You’ll have more money for other things - whether that’s sustainable home upgrades, or just spending time with family and friends.
Once you’ve completed these three steps, you’ll be well on the way to building a sustainable, energy-efficient home. We’ll take a look at the last three steps in Part 2 of this blog.