Over the past 6 years of living in my home I have made various upgrades to reduce my home’s energy use, but the one that seems to have made the most impact are the window shades installed 2 years ago.  I was able to reduce my yearly use by 3,000kWh and that’s even after adding a 220 Hot Tub.  The hot tub bumped it up about 500kWh, but it’s worth that little increase.

1. Window shades
2. Nest Thermostat
3. More efficient refrigerator
4. Lighter house color – new this year in August – will monitor
5. Pergola in the backyard keeps the back wall and patio shaded most of the day
6. Trees are getting larger and providing shade

Next steps are:

1. Add trees to the sides of the house if my neighbor will go for that.
2. A new AC unit will be in the works within the next 3 years since the one installed is a 13 seer.
3. Solar panels