Making a home more energy efficient doesn't have to come with a high price tag. For homeowners in Raleigh, NC, where seasonal weather shifts can push heating and cooling systems to their limits, energy efficiency upgrades can provide real value—not just in monthly savings, but in long-term home equity and buyer appeal. With a focus on practical and affordable strategies, there are a number of cost-effective approaches that can make a significant impact. Whether a homeowner is preparing to list their home or simply wants to reduce utility costs, these upgrades serve as smart, sustainable solutions. Raleigh-based agent Greenwood Collective recommends the following options to improve your home’s energy performance while maintaining budget awareness.
Seal Air Leaks to Reduce Heating and Cooling Loss
One of the most overlooked but effective ways to improve home energy efficiency is by sealing gaps that allow conditioned air to escape. In the Raleigh area, where both winter lows and summer highs can stress HVAC systems, addressing air leaks is an essential and inexpensive first step.
Most homes, especially those built before 2000, lose energy through small, often unnoticed openings around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic access points. Using caulk or weather stripping around these areas typically costs less than $50 for materials but can significantly reduce energy loss. Additionally, sealing ducts in crawl spaces and attics with foil tape or mastic sealant ensures that air flows properly throughout the home, improving HVAC performance without requiring major system upgrades.
This is one of the most cheap ways to make home more energy efficient without compromising comfort. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing and insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Most homes, especially those built before 2000, lose energy through small, often unnoticed openings around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic access points. Using caulk or weather stripping around these areas typically costs less than $50 for materials but can significantly reduce energy loss. Additionally, sealing ducts in crawl spaces and attics with foil tape or mastic sealant ensures that air flows properly throughout the home, improving HVAC performance without requiring major system upgrades.
This is one of the most cheap ways to make home more energy efficient without compromising comfort. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing and insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat for Precision Control
Technology plays a key role in reducing energy waste. A smart thermostat allows homeowners to better control their indoor climate, adjusting temperatures automatically based on schedules, occupancy, and even local weather conditions. In Raleigh, where temperatures can swing significantly during spring and fall, programmable thermostats ensure that heating and cooling systems only run when necessary.
Many models from manufacturers like Ecobee and Google Nest are available for under $200 and can be installed without professional help. Over time, these devices learn user behavior and optimize temperature settings for maximum efficiency. Additionally, Duke Energy and other utility providers in North Carolina frequently offer rebates or incentives for smart thermostat installations, making them one of the most cost-effective and cheap ways to make home more energy efficient.
Many models from manufacturers like Ecobee and Google Nest are available for under $200 and can be installed without professional help. Over time, these devices learn user behavior and optimize temperature settings for maximum efficiency. Additionally, Duke Energy and other utility providers in North Carolina frequently offer rebates or incentives for smart thermostat installations, making them one of the most cost-effective and cheap ways to make home more energy efficient.
Insulate the Attic to Combat Rising Utility Bills
Attic insulation is another high-impact yet affordable upgrade. Because heat rises, a poorly insulated attic allows warmth to escape during colder months, causing HVAC systems to work harder. In the summer, the reverse occurs as hot air penetrates the living space, raising cooling costs.
Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose are two of the most commonly used materials in Raleigh homes, both of which are relatively inexpensive and widely available. On average, insulating an attic can cost between $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot. However, the return on investment is compelling: the U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper attic insulation can lower heating and cooling bills by as much as 15%.
For Raleigh homeowners, upgrading insulation before winter or summer arrives can lead to immediate savings, as well as improved comfort and air quality.
Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose are two of the most commonly used materials in Raleigh homes, both of which are relatively inexpensive and widely available. On average, insulating an attic can cost between $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot. However, the return on investment is compelling: the U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper attic insulation can lower heating and cooling bills by as much as 15%.
For Raleigh homeowners, upgrading insulation before winter or summer arrives can lead to immediate savings, as well as improved comfort and air quality.
Switch to LED Lighting for Efficient Illumination
Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED lighting is one of the simplest cheap ways to make home more energy efficient with visible results. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional lighting, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A full-house LED conversion can typically be completed for less than $150, depending on the size of the home. In addition to standard bulbs, energy-efficient LED fixtures for kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior lighting can further reduce energy consumption. Homeowners in Raleigh often overlook exterior lights, which can remain on for long hours due to the area’s shorter winter days. Switching to motion-sensor LED lights for porches and driveways is another small change with noticeable savings.
A full-house LED conversion can typically be completed for less than $150, depending on the size of the home. In addition to standard bulbs, energy-efficient LED fixtures for kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior lighting can further reduce energy consumption. Homeowners in Raleigh often overlook exterior lights, which can remain on for long hours due to the area’s shorter winter days. Switching to motion-sensor LED lights for porches and driveways is another small change with noticeable savings.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures to Reduce Water Heating Costs
While many homeowners focus on HVAC and lighting when thinking about energy efficiency, hot water heating also accounts for a substantial portion of a home’s energy use. Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and aerators reduce water usage without sacrificing pressure, resulting in lower energy demand for water heating systems.
These fixtures are affordable—often under $30 per unit—and easy to install. For Raleigh homes with older plumbing systems, the combination of low-flow fixtures and pipe insulation can prevent heat loss while reducing energy consumption. Over time, this not only lowers water and energy bills but also conserves resources—making it an environmentally responsible and practical investment.
These fixtures are affordable—often under $30 per unit—and easy to install. For Raleigh homes with older plumbing systems, the combination of low-flow fixtures and pipe insulation can prevent heat loss while reducing energy consumption. Over time, this not only lowers water and energy bills but also conserves resources—making it an environmentally responsible and practical investment.
Use Window Treatments Strategically
Windows are another key source of heat gain and loss, particularly in homes with outdated or single-pane glass. While full window replacement can be costly, there are cheap ways to make home more energy efficient using window treatments that are both attractive and functional.
Insulated curtains, cellular shades, and thermal blinds can reduce heat transfer by up to 25%. In Raleigh, where summers are hot and humid, using blackout curtains in south- and west-facing rooms can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures. During the winter, these same treatments can retain warmth, decreasing the need for additional heating.
For homeowners not ready to invest in window upgrades, this is a smart middle ground that enhances energy performance while complementing interior design.
Insulated curtains, cellular shades, and thermal blinds can reduce heat transfer by up to 25%. In Raleigh, where summers are hot and humid, using blackout curtains in south- and west-facing rooms can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures. During the winter, these same treatments can retain warmth, decreasing the need for additional heating.
For homeowners not ready to invest in window upgrades, this is a smart middle ground that enhances energy performance while complementing interior design.
Maintain HVAC Systems Regularly
Routine HVAC maintenance may not be a glamorous upgrade, but it is crucial for ensuring efficiency. Dirty filters, clogged coils, and blocked vents all force systems to work harder, increasing energy use and reducing the lifespan of equipment.
Homeowners in Raleigh should schedule seasonal HVAC checkups—typically in the spring and fall—to clean and inspect their systems. Changing air filters every one to three months is another low-cost habit that supports energy efficiency. These preventive measures reduce the risk of costly breakdowns and help the system run optimally year-round.
Homeowners in Raleigh should schedule seasonal HVAC checkups—typically in the spring and fall—to clean and inspect their systems. Changing air filters every one to three months is another low-cost habit that supports energy efficiency. These preventive measures reduce the risk of costly breakdowns and help the system run optimally year-round.
Landscape for Shade and Wind Protection
For those seeking long-term yet cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, strategic landscaping can significantly impact a home’s energy profile. Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of a home provides shade during summer while allowing sunlight through in the winter when the leaves fall. Evergreen shrubs and trees, when placed on the north side, can act as windbreaks, reducing cold drafts during winter.
In Raleigh’s mild climate, native trees such as red maple or river birch grow quickly and thrive with minimal maintenance. While the benefits take a few seasons to fully develop, the energy savings combined with increased curb appeal make this a wise investment for homeowners planning to stay in their home for several years.
In Raleigh’s mild climate, native trees such as red maple or river birch grow quickly and thrive with minimal maintenance. While the benefits take a few seasons to fully develop, the energy savings combined with increased curb appeal make this a wise investment for homeowners planning to stay in their home for several years.
Final Thoughts on Improving Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency doesn’t require large-scale renovations or expensive equipment. Instead, thoughtful upgrades like sealing air leaks, installing smart thermostats, and upgrading insulation can have a measurable impact on monthly utility bills and overall home performance. These cheap ways to make home more energy efficient not only reduce operational costs but also position a home as more desirable on the resale market—a key consideration in competitive areas like Raleigh.
With utility costs continuing to rise and buyer interest in sustainable features growing, energy-efficient upgrades represent both a financial and environmental benefit. These changes allow homeowners to enjoy greater comfort today while increasing their property's market appeal for the future.
With utility costs continuing to rise and buyer interest in sustainable features growing, energy-efficient upgrades represent both a financial and environmental benefit. These changes allow homeowners to enjoy greater comfort today while increasing their property's market appeal for the future.
Contact Greenwood Collective to Explore More Cheap Ways to Make Home More Energy Efficient
For homeowners and sellers in Raleigh seeking trusted guidance on affordable energy upgrades, the team at Greenwood Collective provides expert insight tailored to the local market. Whether preparing a home for listing or planning long-term improvements, their experienced professionals offer advice on the most effective, cost-conscious strategies available. Contact Greenwood Collective today to learn how to increase energy efficiency and add value to your home.
