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Learn It & Log It Master Class

Homeowners Getting Started – Class 3 of 5

Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Upgrades

🎯 Class Objective


To help homeowners understand how to improve energy efficiency through smart design choices, system upgrades, and technology integration — lowering utility costs while enhancing comfort and sustainability.

📘 Lesson Summary


An efficient home isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for your wallet and comfort. Modern smart systems, efficient appliances, and energy monitoring tools help homeowners cut waste, manage usage, and anticipate maintenance issues. This class guides you through practical steps to make your home more efficient, upgrade smartly, and understand where every kilowatt and dollar goes.

Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Energy Use


Before upgrading, you need to know where your home consumes the most energy.

Action Items:

  • Review your last 12 months of utility bills to identify high-usage seasons.

  • Schedule a home energy audit with your utility company or local contractor.

  • Use a smart plug or energy monitor (like Sense, Emporia, or Kasa) to track major appliances.

  • Record all findings in your Home Manual – Energy Efficiency folder.

Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Energy Use


Before upgrading, you need to know where your home consumes the most energy.

Action Items:

  • Review your last 12 months of utility bills to identify high-usage seasons.

  • Schedule a home energy audit with your utility company or local contractor.

  • Use a smart plug or energy monitor (like Sense, Emporia, or Kasa) to track major appliances.

  • Record all findings in your Home Manual – Energy Efficiency folder.

Step 3: Upgrade to Smart, Efficient Systems


Smart technology helps control when and how energy is used — automatically.

Action Items:

  • Install a smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell) to optimize heating and cooling schedules.

  • Upgrade light fixtures to LED bulbs and add motion sensors or timers in common areas.

  • Choose ENERGY STAR–rated appliances when replacements are needed.

  • Use smart irrigation controllers for lawns and gardens to reduce water waste.

Step 4: Integrate Solar and Renewable Options


When possible, generate your own clean energy and protect yourself from rising utility rates.

Action Items:

  • Request a solar feasibility study from a local installer.

  • Compare financing options: purchase, lease, or power-purchase agreement (PPA).

  • If solar isn’t practical, consider heat-pump water heaters or solar-ready wiring for future upgrades.

  • Store proposals, payback analyses, and warranties in your Renewables folder.

Step 5: Track, Automate, and Reinvest Your Savings


Efficiency grows when you measure and maintain it over time.

Action Items:

  • Use an energy dashboard app (utility portal or home monitor) to track monthly usage.

  • Automate reminders for filter changes, thermostat checks, and seasonal tune-ups.

  • Reinvest savings from lower utility bills into ongoing improvements — insulation, smart blinds, or efficient windows.

  • Log energy-saving progress in your Home Manual with yearly comparisons.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Final Action Items Summary

  • Complete a professional or DIY home energy audit.

  • Upgrade insulation, seal leaks, and optimize HVAC efficiency.

  • Install smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and ENERGY STAR appliances.

  • Explore renewable energy options like solar or heat-pump systems.

  • Track usage, automate reminders, and document all savings and upgrades.

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