Buying a fixer-upper home is exciting, but it can come with drafty windows, outdated appliances, and rising utility bills. The good news? Renovating your home with a focus on energy efficiency can transform your space and save you thousands in the long run.
Whether tackling a total overhaul or making strategic improvements, this guide walks you through the best energy-efficient home upgrades that improve comfort, reduce environmental impact, and increase resale value.
Budget for Energy Efficiency
While older or non-updated homes are more affordable, they can become more expensive with heating, cooling, or insulation. Allocating budget funds towards energy efficiency and insulation can offer a long-term return.
At Quality Homes, we will address energy-saving improvements when working with a fixer-upper home. We call this a Home Energy Audit, where our professional team will identify any areas of energy waste in your home, ensure the property is safe, and ensure your project is on track to improve your home’s general comfort and value.
This includes:
- Insulation and sealing testing
- HVAC system testing
- Windows and door efficiency testing
- Basement and attic moisture evaluation
- Structural Inspection testing
- Health and safety testing
The first step is to ensure the home is sound and efficient. Then, you can move forward with other upgrades!
What Order to Renovate Your House
In what order should you renovate a house? For fixer-uppers, always start with what’s behind the walls before making things pretty.
Foundation Comes First
Assessing the condition of your home’s foundation is essential before making energy-efficient home upgrades or cosmetic improvements.
Foundation work should come first because cracks or instability in the home can cause long-term damage to walls, floors, and plumbing. If your home is old, know that the house settles into the ground over time, which can lead to uneven floors and walls.
It is best to address the foundation before making any energy-efficient upgrades, because new windows and insulation will not perform well if the structure shifts and settles.
Insulation and Sealing
Ensure your home is sealed and insulated to ensure energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
Focus on:
- Attic and wall insulation: Prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool air in during summer.
- Air sealing: Close up cracks and gaps to stop energy leaks.
These upgrades are the fastest ways to improve comfort and cut costs.
Upgrade Windows, Doors & Roofing
In the same vein as ensuring your home is sealed and protected, consider the condition of your windows and doors.
Old windows and drafty doors are energy drainers. Replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives will boost your home’s performance and curb appeal.
Consider:
- Double- or triple-pane windows with Low-E coatings
- Insulated entry doors
- Energy-efficient roofing materials
These upgrades not only help you save on monthly bills, but they’re also among the best upgrades for increasing home value.
Updating HVAC and Water Systems
Your heating, cooling, and hot water systems can account for over 50% of your home’s energy use. Outdated systems waste both energy and money.
Best energy-efficient upgrades:
- High-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners
- Tankless water heaters
- Duct sealing and cleaning
- Smart thermostats: Regulate your heating and cooling for peak efficiency.
Work with home upgrade pros to assess your current systems and choose the most cost-effective replacements for your space and climate.
Floors, Walls, and Aesthetics
Now that your home is energy efficient and sturdy, you can decide on some more aesthetic upgrades, like flooring, room transitions, paint, and more!
The ideal time for painting and aesthetic upgrades is:
- After insulation, window, and HVAC work is complete
- Before moving in furniture or finishing flooring (especially with trim and baseboards)
- Once all significant construction debris and dust have been cleared
Painting and refurnishing its timeless features is a fun way to refresh and support an older home.
- LED lighting: Low-cost, high-efficiency, and easy to install.
- Replace the flooring or stain it to your liking
- Painting walls and ceilings
- Refinishing cabinets
- Swapping out or polishing hardware and fixtures
- Installing modern lighting
Pro Tip: Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints to maintain healthy indoor air quality, especially after sealing your home for better energy efficiency.
Schedule a Renovation Estimate with Quality Homes
Renovating a fixer-upper is a vast project that often comes with surprises. Working with an experienced contractor will help you come up with immediate solutions. Quality Homes of Rochester is here for all your interior and exterior home improvement needs.
Contact us today to get your free estimate!
FAQ’s About Energy Efficient Home Upgrades
Looking for more information about home renovations? Here are some frequently asked questions about home upgrades and renovations.
Q: In what order should you renovate a house?
A: First, complete any structural and safety repairs. Second, prioritize energy-efficient upgrades like insulation and HVAC. Then move to aesthetic updates such as paint and flooring.
Q: What is the most popular home upgrade?
A: Kitchens are the most renovated room, but energy-saving updates like window replacements and smart thermostats are growing in popularity due to their return on investment.
Q: What is the difference between renovation and remodel?
A: A renovation improves or refreshes existing elements (like painting or replacing appliances). A remodel changes the structure, such as removing a wall or expanding a space.