It's no big secret that newer things are more energy efficient! From cars, to appliances, virtually anything with a battery and so on - these consumer goods have become extremely energy efficient overtime. Homes have also followed suit and over the years have become very efficient and through various programs including the HERS Index (home energy rating score) which measures a homes efficiency

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The average age of a home in Houston is 41 years old - which means the average home was built well before the HERS Index was created in 2006. So if you're living in one of Houston's beautiful older homes like so many of us do - here are 4 (cost effective) ideas you can do yourself to improve your homes energy efficiency!


While there are the big ticket updates that are well worth the investment, such as double pane windows, updated HVAC systems, water heaters, radiant barriers, and so on - there are several other options that you can do yourself at home for a low cost and are proven to help increase a homes efficiency!

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1. Seal any areas that lead outside or to un air-conditioned spaces; add draft stoppers to exterior doors($10 each), add an attic insulation cover($40)



2. Digital program thermostat($50), if you have an older a/c system chances are you have a non-programmable thermostat, you can replace it with a digital one to program your home to adjust the temperatures when no ones home to save on power costs!

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3. Add ceiling fans; improved airflow and circulation throughout your home will assist your hvac system in regulating the temperatures so your system won't work as hard!

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4. Get an a/c tuneup from a licensed HVAC tech ($100-200). In older homes especially, it can be well worth it to get an a/c tuneup 2 times a year to keep the system running efficiently. This is also an opportunity to have your ducts checked for leaks as well.