Back to School, Back to Savings: Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Your Home

As the kids head back to school and routines start to shift, it’s the perfect time for homeowners throughout Grass Valley, to take stock of their home’s energy use—and make a few smart upgrades that can lead to serious savings.

With the heat of summer winding down and cooler months ahead, now’s the moment to prepare your home for the seasons to come by improving energy efficiency and reducing utility bills.

From better insulation to smart home technology, a few changes can have a big impact on your comfort and your wallet. Here’s how to make this “back-to-school” season one that brings both comfort and cost savings, courtesy of Maki Heating & Air Conditioning.

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Here’s a homework assignment we can all enjoy: How to save money on your energy bills! Below are a few simple tips to follow that can make a significant difference over time. 

Seal the Gaps With Proper Insulation

If your home feels drafty in the winter or too hot in certain areas during the summer, poor insulation may be to blame. Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, keeping warm air in during cold months and cool air in during the summer.

Upgrading attic insulation is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. In addition, sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and even outlets can prevent conditioned air from escaping and outdoor air from sneaking in.

Proper insulation not only keeps your home more comfortable year-round but also reduces the workload on your HVAC system—which can lead to lower energy bills and fewer repairs over time.

Install a Smart Thermostat

One of the easiest upgrades with the biggest payoff is a smart thermostat. These devices learn your schedule and automatically adjust your heating and cooling for maximum efficiency. For example, they can reduce heating or cooling while everyone’s out during the day and ramp it up just before the family gets home.

Many smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone, allowing you to make temperature adjustments remotely. Some even offer energy usage reports, helping you track your consumption and identify opportunities to save.

According to the EPA, homeowners can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning the thermostat back 7°–10°F for eight hours a day. A smart thermostat makes that easier than ever.

Upgrade to High-Efficiency HVAC Equipment

If your heating or cooling system is more than 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Newer HVAC systems, especially those with ENERGY STAR® certification, use significantly less energy to maintain indoor comfort.

Even if a full system replacement isn’t in your plans this year, components like variable-speed air handlers or energy-efficient furnaces can deliver better performance with lower utility costs.

Pair your upgraded HVAC system with regular maintenance—like replacing air filters and scheduling seasonal tune-ups—to ensure your equipment runs as efficiently as possible throughout the school year and beyond.

Swap Out Old Light Bulbs

While it might seem like a small change, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives can have a noticeable impact. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than standard bulbs, making them an easy, low-cost upgrade for every room in the house.

Consider swapping out bulbs in high-use areas first—like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways—then gradually upgrade throughout the home. You’ll use less electricity and spend less time replacing burnt-out bulbs.

Install Water-Saving Fixtures

Saving energy isn’t just about heating and cooling. Your water heater plays a big role in your Grass Valley, home’s overall energy use, especially during the fall and winter when hot water demand increases.

Installing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and water-saving toilets can reduce the amount of hot water your household uses. These upgrades are inexpensive, easy to install, and make a difference not only in your water usage but also in the amount of energy required to heat that water.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR model—or even a tankless water heater—can boost efficiency even further.

Weatherstrip and Caulk Windows and Doors

Even well-insulated homes can lose heat and cooled air through gaps around windows and doors. Adding or replacing weatherstripping and applying fresh caulk where needed can help seal these leaks and keep your indoor environment stable.

This is a particularly smart upgrade to tackle in the early fall—before temperatures start to drop. It’s a simple DIY project that requires minimal tools but can yield noticeable improvements in comfort and energy savings.

Use Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

Back-to-school season often brings changing light patterns as days grow shorter and the sun shifts lower in the sky. Installing thermal or blackout curtains can help block unwanted heat during sunny afternoons and keep warmth inside on cooler nights.

Look for insulated curtains or shades with energy-saving properties to improve window performance without replacing your windows entirely. It’s an easy way to reduce heating and cooling costs while adding style to your home.

Energy Efficiency: Small Changes, Big Results

Energy efficiency doesn’t always require a big investment. Many of the upgrades mentioned above—like sealing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, or upgrading to a smart thermostat—are affordable, simple projects that can make a real difference in your home’s comfort and your energy bills.

Fall is a natural time for fresh starts and smart planning. By making a few energy-efficient improvements now, you can enjoy lower utility costs all season long—and set your home up for savings well into the school year and beyond.

Ready to Save? Start With an Energy Audit

Not sure where to begin? A professional home energy audit can help you identify where your home is losing energy and which upgrades will make the biggest impact. From there, you can prioritize improvements based on your budget and goals.

As your family gets back into the school-year routine, let your home get smarter, too. Reach out today to Maki Heating & Air Conditioning at 530-885-3449 or request service online to learn more. Our home energy experts are available in the greater Grass Valley, CA, area and all the surrounding communities.

Energy-efficient upgrades are a smart investment—and fall is the perfect time to get started.