Save Energy + Lower Utility Bills (Inspector Tips)

Save Energy + Lower Utility Bills (Inspector Tips)

 In Energy, Featured
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Insulated Attic

Most homeowners don’t realize how much energy is lost through attic leaks, duct gaps, and thin insulation. These inspector-backed upgrades improve comfort and lower utility bills.

As a construction-informed home inspector serving Johns Creek and North Metro Atlanta, I see the same “energy leak” patterns repeatedly. The tips below focus on real-world upgrades that improve comfort, reduce wasted utility costs, and help your HVAC system run more efficiently, especially during our long cooling season.

Want a full evaluation of your home’s condition and performance? Visit my Home Inspection Services page or Schedule Your Inspection Online.

Quick Wins (Start Here)

If you want the fastest payoff, start with these:

  • Replace HVAC air filters on a consistent schedule

  • Seal obvious air leaks (attic hatch, doors, visible plumbing penetrations)

  • Use ceiling fans correctly (comfort boost without dropping the thermostat as far)

  • Check attic insulation coverage and depth (thin or disturbed insulation is common)

  • Inspect attic ductwork for loose connections or crushed runs

Why Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency?

Improving efficiency is not just about utility bills—it’s about comfort and performance.

  • Lower monthly costs by reducing wasted energy

  • More consistent comfort (fewer hot/cold rooms)

  • Less moisture trouble (important in humid North Georgia summers)

  • Less strain on HVAC equipment, which may extend service life

  • Better resale appeal, especially when buyers see a tighter, well-maintained home

The 10 Best Energy-Saving Improvements (Construction-Informed Priorities)

1) Start with HVAC basics (filters + maintenance)

Your heating and cooling system is usually the biggest energy user in the home. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can increase runtime.

  • Replace filters routinely

  • Keep supply vents open and returns unobstructed

  • Consider seasonal servicing by a qualified HVAC contractor

Inspector tip: Comfort complaints often trace back to poor airflow—not the thermostat.

2) Use ceiling fans and thermostat settings strategically

Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature—they improve comfort by moving air.

  • Use fans to feel cooler while keeping thermostat settings reasonable

  • Turn fans off when you leave the room (they cool people, not air)

  • Use thermostat setbacks during sleeping hours or when the home is unoccupied

3) Seal and support attic ductwork

In North Metro Atlanta, it’s common to find duct issues in the attic that waste conditioned air.

Look for:

  • Loose connections at supply boots and plenums

  • Crushed or kinked flex duct

  • Leaky joints at transitions

Construction-informed note: Leaky ducts don’t just waste energy—they often create hot rooms, cold rooms, and humidity problems.

4) Air seal the “leak points” before adding insulation

Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective efficiency upgrades—especially at the attic level.

Common leak locations include:

  • Attic access hatches and pull-down stairs

  • Plumbing and electrical penetrations

  • Recessed lights or ceiling openings

  • Fireplace dampers

  • Drafty doors and poorly sealed windows

Inspector tip: Adding insulation on top of major air leaks can hide the problem instead of fixing it. Seal first, then insulate.

5) Improve attic insulation coverage and the attic hatch

Many homes have insulation that is thin, uneven, or disturbed from previous work.

  • Improve insulation coverage where it’s missing or compressed

  • Insulate and weatherstrip the attic hatch/pull-down stairs

  • Make sure insulation isn’t blocking soffit ventilation

Comfort payoff: A better-insulated attic often improves comfort quickly—especially in summer.

6) Make hot water more efficient

Hot water costs add up faster than most people realize.

Simple improvements include:

  • Lowering water heater temperature to a safe, reasonable level

  • Insulating hot water pipes (especially in unconditioned areas)

  • Fixing drips and running fixtures that waste hot water

Considering tankless? Tankless water heaters can be a good option, but they may require gas line sizing upgrades, proper venting, and sometimes recirculation changes. Have a plumber evaluate the installation requirements before committing.

7) Switch to LED lighting and reduce unnecessary “on time”

LED upgrades are one of the easiest wins.

  • Replace high-use bulbs (kitchen, hallways, exterior lights) first

  • Use timers or motion sensors for exterior lighting when appropriate

  • Turn off lights in unused rooms (simple, but it adds up)

8) Reduce water waste (especially in older homes)

Water use and energy use overlap—less hot water use usually means lower energy costs.

Good upgrades include:

  • Efficient showerheads

  • Modern low-flow toilets (especially replacing older high-volume models)

  • Fixing running toilets and drippy faucets

9) Use appliances and electronics responsibly

Small changes reduce the “always-on” energy usage many homes have.

  • Use power strips to reduce standby power draw

  • Enable energy-saving or sleep modes on electronics

  • Keep refrigerators away from heat sources when possible

  • Consider ENERGY STAR-rated replacements when it’s time to upgrade

10) Cook and do laundry efficiently

These habits cost nothing and reduce wasted energy.

Cooking:

  • Use lids to heat faster

  • Match pot size to burner size

  • Microwaves use less energy than a full-size oven for small meals

Laundry:

  • Wash full loads when possible

  • Use cooler water settings when appropriate

  • Clean the dryer lint screen each cycle (safety + efficiency)

  • Air-dry when practical

Common Energy-Wasters I See During Home Inspections

If you’re wondering where to look first, these are frequent issues in attic systems and building envelopes:

  • Disconnected or leaking duct runs in the attic

  • Thin, disturbed, or missing attic insulation

  • Poorly sealed attic access doors/pull-down stairs

  • Air leaks around plumbing/electrical penetrations

  • Bath fans venting improperly (sometimes into the attic)

  • Drafty exterior doors needing sweeps or weatherstripping

When to Call a Pro

DIY improvements are great, but these should be evaluated by a qualified contractor:

  • HVAC performance concerns (weak airflow, comfort imbalance, short cycling)

  • Duct sealing/repairs in attics or crawlspaces

  • Water heater conversions or tankless installations

  • Insulation upgrades that affect ventilation, moisture, or roof systems

Final Thoughts

Homeowners who tackle these improvements usually notice the benefits quickly—better comfort, fewer hot/cold rooms, and lower utility waste. If you’re buying a home or planning upgrades, a construction-informed home inspection can help you prioritize the improvements that matter most.

Many buyers also choose to add Radon Testing during the inspection process for a more complete picture of the home.

Ready to move forward? Schedule Your Inspection Online or call/text 404-661-9763.

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