Improving a home’s efficiency doesn’t always require large-scale renovations or costly upgrades. Many homeowners in places like Summerville, South Carolina, find that small, deliberate steps can deliver significant savings on energy use while improving everyday comfort. These measures don’t have to break the bank — focusing on affordable changes that target common inefficiencies can make a measurable difference.
The following strategies highlight cheap ways to make a home more energy efficient while ensuring lasting value.
1) Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
One of the most overlooked sources of energy waste is air leakage. Small gaps around doors and windows allow conditioned air to escape and hot or humid outside air to enter. The first step is to inspect window frames, door jambs, and thresholds for cracks or gaps. Applying exterior-grade caulk around windows and replacing old weatherstripping on doors are simple tasks that cost little but yield noticeable improvements.
Door sweeps are another low-cost option that prevent drafts at the bottom of doors. In a climate like Summerville, where air conditioning runs for much of the year, sealing leaks helps reduce system strain and keeps indoor temperatures consistent. This is one of the most practical, cheap ways to make home more energy efficient without a major investment.
Door sweeps are another low-cost option that prevent drafts at the bottom of doors. In a climate like Summerville, where air conditioning runs for much of the year, sealing leaks helps reduce system strain and keeps indoor temperatures consistent. This is one of the most practical, cheap ways to make home more energy efficient without a major investment.
2) Upgrade Attic Insulation
In many older homes, attics are under-insulated, leading to energy loss. Adding blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation is an affordable way to prevent heat transfer. Focus on bringing insulation up to the recommended R-value for the region, often R-38 or higher. Homeowners can often rent equipment from home centers to complete this project themselves, lowering costs further.
Even minor improvements in attic insulation can reduce summer heat buildup and winter heat loss. In Summerville, where summers are long and hot, upgrading insulation provides year-round benefits. Combined with sealing attic access points, this upgrade delivers lasting returns on comfort and efficiency.
Even minor improvements in attic insulation can reduce summer heat buildup and winter heat loss. In Summerville, where summers are long and hot, upgrading insulation provides year-round benefits. Combined with sealing attic access points, this upgrade delivers lasting returns on comfort and efficiency.
3) Maintain and Tune HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling systems account for a large portion of energy use. Keeping them clean and properly maintained helps ensure they run efficiently. Changing filters every one to three months is one of the cheapest steps homeowners can take. Dirty filters restrict airflow and force the system to work harder.
Coil cleaning and scheduling seasonal inspections add another layer of efficiency. Even simple thermostat adjustments — setting the temperature a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter — can reduce demand. These steps don’t require major spending and yet provide a consistent reduction in energy use, making them among the most reliable, cheap ways to make home more energy efficient.
Coil cleaning and scheduling seasonal inspections add another layer of efficiency. Even simple thermostat adjustments — setting the temperature a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter — can reduce demand. These steps don’t require major spending and yet provide a consistent reduction in energy use, making them among the most reliable, cheap ways to make home more energy efficient.
4) Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat allows homeowners to adjust heating and cooling schedules automatically. These devices save energy without sacrificing comfort by reducing demand when no one is home. Many models are relatively inexpensive and pay for themselves quickly through reduced bills.
In homes around Summerville, a smart thermostat can be especially useful in managing energy use during peak afternoon hours, when air conditioning demand is highest. Some models even provide energy reports, helping homeowners see the impact of their adjustments in real time.
In homes around Summerville, a smart thermostat can be especially useful in managing energy use during peak afternoon hours, when air conditioning demand is highest. Some models even provide energy reports, helping homeowners see the impact of their adjustments in real time.
5) Improve Lighting with LED Bulbs
One of the easiest upgrades available is replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use up to 80 percent less energy and last significantly longer. Focus first on high-use areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor fixtures.
LEDs now come in various color temperatures so homeowners can choose warmer tones for living spaces and cooler tones for task lighting. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, the long lifespan and energy savings quickly offset it. This is an accessible and straightforward way to cut energy costs in any home.
LEDs now come in various color temperatures so homeowners can choose warmer tones for living spaces and cooler tones for task lighting. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, the long lifespan and energy savings quickly offset it. This is an accessible and straightforward way to cut energy costs in any home.
6) Address Water Heating Efficiency
Water heating is a hidden but consistent energy expense. Lowering the water heater temperature to 120°F reduces standby losses while providing adequate hot water. Wrapping older tanks in an insulating jacket is another low-cost upgrade that helps retain heat.
Pipe insulation on the first several feet of hot water lines minimizes heat loss. In homes across Summerville, where groundwater temperatures can be warmer, these adjustments make the water heating process more efficient and cost-effective.
Pipe insulation on the first several feet of hot water lines minimizes heat loss. In homes across Summerville, where groundwater temperatures can be warmer, these adjustments make the water heating process more efficient and cost-effective.
7) Manage Plug Loads and Phantom Power
Electronics and small appliances continue to draw electricity even when turned off. Advanced power strips that cut power to peripherals when the main device is off help reduce this “phantom load.” For example, plugging a television and its accessories into one strip ensures they all power down together.
Unplugging chargers and rarely used appliances also reduces wasted energy. Though each device may only consume a small amount, the combined savings across a household can be substantial. These small habits are some of the easiest and cheapest steps to gaining efficiency.
Unplugging chargers and rarely used appliances also reduces wasted energy. Though each device may only consume a small amount, the combined savings across a household can be substantial. These small habits are some of the easiest and cheapest steps to gaining efficiency.
8) Use Fans and Natural Ventilation Strategically
Ceiling fans and portable fans provide cooling at a fraction of the energy cost of air conditioning. They don’t actually lower the room temperature but create airflow that makes spaces feel cooler. Running fans in occupied rooms allows for higher thermostat settings without discomfort.
In shoulder seasons, taking advantage of cooler mornings and evenings by opening windows reduces reliance on mechanical systems. In Summerville, this practice is especially effective in spring and fall. By layering natural ventilation with selective fan use, households achieve meaningful efficiency improvements at minimal cost.
In shoulder seasons, taking advantage of cooler mornings and evenings by opening windows reduces reliance on mechanical systems. In Summerville, this practice is especially effective in spring and fall. By layering natural ventilation with selective fan use, households achieve meaningful efficiency improvements at minimal cost.
9) Enhance Window Performance Without Replacement
Full window replacement can be expensive, but there are cheaper upgrades that improve performance. Clear window films help block heat gain without obstructing views. Thermal curtains and cellular shades reduce heat transfer and can be closed during peak sun hours.
Caulking and sealing window frames also limit air leakage. These measures don’t require major construction but significantly improve comfort and energy performance, especially in climates with long summers like South Carolina.
Caulking and sealing window frames also limit air leakage. These measures don’t require major construction but significantly improve comfort and energy performance, especially in climates with long summers like South Carolina.
10) Shade and Landscape for Efficiency
Exterior shading is an effective way to reduce indoor heat gain. Planting deciduous trees strategically or installing exterior awnings and shade sails blocks direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
On patios and porches, shade structures create usable outdoor living space while protecting adjacent interiors from overheating. Landscaping for shade is a longer-term solution, but it provides lasting comfort and efficiency benefits without expensive mechanical intervention.
On patios and porches, shade structures create usable outdoor living space while protecting adjacent interiors from overheating. Landscaping for shade is a longer-term solution, but it provides lasting comfort and efficiency benefits without expensive mechanical intervention.
Find Your New Home with The Husted Team
These minor improvements add significant value, and in a market like Summerville, they can make your home stand out. The Husted Team, a full-service real estate group, understands this better than anyone. Led by Jeff Husted, the team uses its local expertise to help sellers highlight features like energy efficiency to attract top offers. For buyers, they know how to identify homes that have been well-maintained and offer long-term value.
Whether you're looking to sell a home with great features or buy one with a solid foundation, contact The Husted Team today to get started on your real estate journey.
Whether you're looking to sell a home with great features or buy one with a solid foundation, contact The Husted Team today to get started on your real estate journey.
