watt’s up? energy efficient homes.
With the rising prices of utility services, the best time to become conscious of your home’s electrical usage is now. There are many steps that you can take today in order to turn your home into a net-zero nest—a home that produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire house overnight. Whether you live in Denver, Fort Collins, or a mountain town off the grid, these 7 practical energy-saving strategies will help you reduce your carbon footprint, lower your bills, and create a more comfortable living space.
1. Get a Home Energy Audit
The first step toward energy efficiency is understanding where your home is losing energy. A home energy audit identifies problem areas—like drafts, poor insulation, or outdated appliances—and gives you a clear roadmap for improvements.
Colorado’s Energy Office connects homeowners with affordable energy assessments, and some utility providers offer rebates or free audits. It’s a smart first move with long-term payoffs.
2. Seal Air Leaks & Upgrade Insulation
Little gaps around doors, windows, and baseboards can have a big impact on your comfort and utility bills. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal leaks, and consider upgrading your attic or crawlspace insulation.
According to the CSU Energy Checklist, proper insulation and air sealing can slash heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
3. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Colorado’s climate swings between extremes, but your thermostat doesn’t have to. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust temperatures to reduce energy use while you’re away or asleep.
Even a basic programmable thermostat can help you cut your annual energy bill by 10%, making it a fast, low-cost upgrade with instant benefits.
4. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances & Lighting
When it’s time to replace an appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These appliances use significantly less energy without sacrificing performance. And don’t forget about lighting—LED bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescents and can last over a decade.
Every efficient swap brings your home closer to net-zero.
5. Take Advantage of Colorado’s Energy Assistance Programs
Energy efficiency improvements don’t have to break the bank. Programs like Energy Outreach Colorado’s CARE Program provide income-qualified residents with free energy upgrades—including insulation, furnace replacement, and more.
Check eligibility or refer someone who may benefit. These programs not only save money—they improve health and safety at home.
6. Shift Usage to Off-Peak Hours
More utility providers in Colorado are introducing time-of-use billing, which means electricity costs more during peak daytime hours. You can save by running high-energy appliances like washers and dryers after 8 p.m. or on weekends.
Small adjustments in your daily habits can lead to noticeable savings on monthly bills.
7. Invest in Solar Energy
After tightening up your home’s energy use, the most impactful way to reach net-zero is by generating your own power with solar.
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Colorado is ideal for solar energy. A residential solar system can drastically reduce or eliminate your electric bills, protect you from rising utility costs, and increase your home’s value.
At Cascade Solar & Electric, we specialize in designing and installing high-performance solar systems tailored to your home and energy goals. Whether you're just beginning to explore solar or ready to break ground, we're here to make the process seamless and stress-free.
Ready to Power Your Net-Zero Nest?
The path to a more efficient home starts with small steps—and ends with big results. Whether you're sealing air leaks, upgrading your thermostat, or going solar, every choice you make helps you take control of your energy future.
Small changes today can lead to significant savings tomorrow. And when you're ready to take that final step toward energy independence, Cascade Solar & Electric is your local, trusted partner in smart solar solutions.