20 Smart Ways to Make Your New Fort Worth Home Energy Efficient
Just bought a new home in Fort Worth? Congrats! Now that you’re settling in, it’s the perfect time to rethink how you use energy. Between your mortgage, insurance, and all those new-home expenses, cutting monthly utility bills can help balance the budget and reduce waste.
The good news: You don’t need to overhaul your entire home to see real savings. From simple lightbulb swaps to smarter thermostat settings, here are 20 actionable ways to make your new home more energy efficient, starting today.
Lighting: Bright Ideas for Lower Bills
Lighting makes up about 11% of the average household’s energy use. Small changes here can have a noticeable impact.
1. Switch to LED or CFL Bulbs
Still using incandescent bulbs? They burn more energy as heat than light. LED and CFL bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer. Replace bulbs in high-use areas first, in the kitchen, the living room, and outdoor lighting.
2. Turn Lights Off When Not Needed
Make it a habit to turn off lights when leaving a room. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common energy-wasting habits. Consider installing motion sensor night lights or smart switches that auto-turn off lights in low-traffic areas like hallways or laundry rooms.
Appliances: Smart Use Means Big Savings
Appliances and electronics can account for up to 20% of your energy costs. Here’s how to trim that number down.
3. Invest in ENERGY STAR® Appliances
Shopping for new appliances? Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These appliances are certified to use 10–50% less energy than standard models. Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers are some of the best areas to upgrade.
4. Unplug When Not in Use
Many appliances draw power even when turned off—this is called “phantom energy.” Unplug coffee makers, toasters, and phone chargers when you’re not using them. Or, plug them into a power strip so you can switch everything off at once.
5. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Dirty coils force your fridge to work harder. Vacuum the coils at least twice a year to reduce strain and keep them running efficiently. If you’re just moving in, give those coils a good cleaning before you plug them in.
6. Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full
Cold air escapes faster when a fridge is nearly empty. A full fridge helps regulate temperature and reduce the number of cooling cycles. Just don’t overstuff—it needs airflow too.
7. Wash Laundry in Cold Water
90% of the energy used for washing clothes goes to heating the water. Washing in cold water not only saves energy but also helps your clothes last longer.
8. Run Appliances After Peak Hours
Use large appliances like washers and dishwashers at night or during off-peak hours when electricity demand and pricing can be lower. This also keeps your home cooler in the summer.
Water Use: Cut Waste, Cut Costs
Water efficiency is a win-win. It lowers both your water and energy bills (especially if you’re heating that water).
9. Only Run the Dishwasher When Full
Running half-loads wastes both water and energy. Wait until the dishwasher is full to maximize efficiency. If your dishwasher has an eco or light wash cycle, use it for regular loads.
10. Fix Leaks Right Away
A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Inspect toilets, hoses, showerheads, and sprinklers for hidden leaks. Even a slow drip adds up fast.
11. Take Shorter Showers
The average 10-minute shower uses about 20–25 gallons of water. Cutting your shower time by just five minutes could save thousands of gallons a year, not to mention the energy used to heat it.
12. Water the Lawn at the Right Time
Avoid watering your lawn during peak sun hours. Watering before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. allows more water to reach the roots without evaporating in the heat. Use smart sprinkler timers or rain sensors to avoid unnecessary watering.
13. Turn Off the Tap
Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, or doing dishes. This one habit can save up to 8 gallons a day per person.
14. Skip Hand-Washing Dishes
According to the EPA, modern dishwashers use 3–5 gallons per load, while hand washing can use up to 27 gallons. Use the dishwasher, and skip the rinse cycle. It’s not necessary if your dishwasher is up to date.
15. Use a Hose Nozzle
Washing your car? Attach a nozzle with an on/off feature to prevent the hose from running nonstop. This small upgrade can save hundreds of gallons every year.
Summer Energy Tips: Beat the Texas Heat
Summer in Fort Worth gets hot—really hot. Here’s how to keep cool without sending your energy bill through the roof.
16. Add or Upgrade Insulation
Insulation is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency year-round. Focus on attics, walls, and crawlspaces. A properly insulated home can cut your cooling costs by up to 15%.
17. Let in the Breeze
Open windows during cooler parts of the day, typically early morning and late evening. This allows for natural ventilation and reduces your reliance on AC. Use fans to keep the air circulating and cool.
18. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. In summer, set them to rotate counterclockwise to push air downward. This can reduce your need for AC and help lower your bill.
Winter Energy Tips: Stay Warm Without the Waste
When temperatures drop, don’t let energy efficiency slide.
19. Seal Drafts and Insulate Gaps
Drafty windows and doors let warm air escape and cold air in. Use weather stripping, caulk, or draft blockers to seal gaps around doors, windows, and outlets. Consider adding thermal curtains for extra insulation.
20. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats help you control your HVAC system more efficiently. They let you program heating schedules, adjust temps remotely, and learn your habits to optimize comfort while reducing energy use. Some models can cut your heating bill by 10% or more.
Bonus Tips to Go the Extra Mile
If you’re serious about making your home as energy efficient as possible, here are a few more upgrades to consider:
- Switch to low-flow showerheads and toilets
- Install solar-powered outdoor lights
- Use thermal window film to block UV rays
- Plant shade trees near sun-facing windows
- Check with your utility provider for rebates or free home energy audits
Energy efficiency isn’t just about products, it’s about mindset. The choices you make every day, from flipping a switch to turning off the faucet, all contribute. The more consistent you are, the more you’ll save, and the more comfortable your home will be.
Moving to Fort Worth? Let Luke’s Moving Help You Settle In
Before you even start thinking about energy upgrades, you need a smooth, stress-free move. That’s where Luke’s Moving Services comes in. We’re your local experts, serving the Fort Worth area with reliable residential moving solutions.
Call us today for a free quote or to >schedule your move. We’ll help you get settled so you can focus on turning your house into an energy-smart home.
