4 Low-Cost Ways to Energy Proof Your New Home in Ventura County

Published: June 01, 2022

If you’re moving to a new home, you likely want to ensure it is energy-efficient and well insulated. Fortunately, there are many low-cost ways to achieve these goals. Here are just a few:

Ensure the walls and attic are well insulated

Insulated homes use less heating and cooling energy since they are more comfortable. Cellulose can be blown into the empty framed cavity by a contractor or loose-fill foam insulation may be sprayed between roof joists (this is sometimes known as open-cell spray foam). Installing insulation in your home’s walls is simple, whether you hire someone to blow cellulose into the empty framed cavity or have a plumber do it for you.

If you like doing things yourself, consider wrapping exterior walls and/or rafters or joists with rigid foam insulation boards. Use low-VOC or completely non-toxic insulating materials to reduce your exposure to chemicals and improve your health and the environment.

Add weatherstripping to your doors and windows

Drafty windows and poorly sealed doors can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder than necessary, causing energy loss. You may help reduce these leaks by weatherstripping the openings around your doors and windows, which will save you money on energy bills over time.

You may also want to consider installing Low-E window film or adding storm windows to further improve the energy efficiency of your home’s windows.

Make use of passive solar design features

There are several simple and inexpensive passive solar design ideas to take advantage of, ranging from south-facing windows that allow in plenty of light throughout the winter to overhangs that provide shade during the summer.

These can help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and heating/cooling systems, lowering your energy bills and making your home more comfortable year-round.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat might help you save money on your energy bills by allowing you to customize the temperature for various times of day or week. You may, for example, set it to lower the temperature when you’re away from home or asleep and raise it again shortly before waking up or returning.

This way you’re not paying to heat or cool an empty house, and yet your home will be comfortable and energy-efficient when you return.

Overall, there are many low-cost ways to energy-proof your new home, from simple insulation and weatherstripping measures to passive solar design features and programmable thermostats. By using these and other strategies, you can help ensure that your home is comfortable and efficient in both the short and long term.

For more tips on moving and storing your belongings, make sure to check out the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Ventura County blog!