How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

In Coronado, where coastal living meets refined luxury, homeowners often seek ways to enhance their homes while preserving the natural beauty that surrounds them. One of the most impactful ways to do both is by making your home more energy efficient. Not only does this reduce utility costs and increase comfort, but it also lessens your environmental footprint—a win for both your wallet and the planet.

Whether you live in a charming beach bungalow, a modern condo, or a historic estate, these practical upgrades and strategies can help you improve your home’s energy performance while maintaining the style and comfort you love.

Before making changes, it’s helpful to understand how your home currently uses (and loses) energy. A professional energy audit identifies areas where improvements will have the most impact, from drafty windows to inefficient appliances.

What an energy audit typically includes:

• Infrared imaging to detect heat loss
• Insulation and ventilation assessments
• HVAC and appliance efficiency evaluations
• Air leak testing around doors, windows, and ducts

Many utility companies in California offer energy audits for free or at a reduced cost, so it’s worth checking with your local provider. This audit serves as a roadmap for prioritizing improvements that will give you the best return on investment.

In sunny Coronado, windows are both a beautiful design feature and a key point of energy transfer. Old or poorly sealed windows can let cool air escape during the summer and allow unwanted heat during warmer months.

Options for energy-efficient upgrades:

• Double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings
• Tinted or reflective films to reduce heat gain from sunlight
• Window frames made from materials like vinyl, fiberglass, or thermally broken aluminum

If a full window replacement isn’t in your budget, you can still improve efficiency with weather stripping, caulking, or thermal curtains that block excess heat and cold.

Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce heating and cooling demands. Even in a temperate climate like Coronado, insulation plays a major role in energy efficiency.

Key areas to insulate:

• Attic and roof spaces
• Exterior walls
• Crawl spaces or basements
• Around ducts and plumbing

Upgrading to high-performance insulation materials like spray foam or blown-in cellulose can significantly improve your home’s energy retention and reduce your utility bills over time.

Heating and cooling account for a large portion of home energy use. A smart thermostat allows you to optimize climate control with precision and ease. These devices learn your habits, adjust temperatures when you're away, and let you control settings remotely via smartphone.

Popular smart thermostat features:

• Automated scheduling and learning
• Energy usage reports
• Voice assistant integration
• Geofencing to adjust the temperature based on your location

Installing a smart thermostat can reduce energy use by 10 to 15 percent and is a quick, affordable upgrade that pays off quickly.

Air leaks are a silent culprit of energy waste in many homes. Common leak points include gaps around windows, doors, plumbing, recessed lights, and electrical outlets.

DIY sealing tips:

• Use caulk for small cracks in stationary components like window frames
• Apply weatherstripping around doors and movable window sashes
• Use foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls
• Seal duct joints with mastic or foil-backed tape

These inexpensive fixes can lead to noticeable improvements in comfort and efficiency, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons.

If your refrigerator, washer, dryer, or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, it may be using significantly more energy than newer models. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR® certified appliances ensures lower operating costs and better performance.

Benefits of energy-efficient appliances:

• Use up to 50 percent less energy than standard models
• Reduce water consumption, especially for dishwashers and washing machines
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Modern features like delayed start, smart controls, and improved noise reduction

For the kitchen, consider replacing traditional lighting with LED under-cabinet strips and switching to induction cooktops, which use less energy than gas or electric coil burners.

Lighting is one of the simplest areas to address in your quest for efficiency. LED bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting and last up to 25 times longer.

Energy-efficient lighting upgrades:

• Replace all interior and exterior bulbs with LEDs
• Install dimmer switches to reduce energy usage and adjust ambiance
• Use motion sensors for outdoor lighting or lesser-used areas
• Choose warm white LEDs to maintain a soft, inviting atmosphere

If your home has high ceilings or recessed lighting, make sure you choose LED options compatible with your fixtures.

With year-round sunshine, Coronado is an ideal location for solar panels. Adding a solar energy system to your home can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electric bill, especially if paired with a home battery for storage.

Solar benefits:

• Long-term energy savings and increased home value
• Potential federal and state tax incentives
• Lower dependence on grid electricity
• Positive environmental impact

Many solar providers offer zero-down financing options, and some systems can be installed in a matter of days. Even smaller solar upgrades like solar water heaters or solar-powered landscape lighting contribute to a greener home.

Water conservation goes hand in hand with energy efficiency, particularly in areas where hot water is used. Efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances reduce both water use and the energy needed to heat it.

Water-saving improvements:

• Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets
• Add aerators to reduce water flow without sacrificing pressure
• Use a tankless water heater for on-demand heating
• Insulate hot water pipes to prevent heat loss

In your garden, choose drought-tolerant plants and use drip irrigation or smart sprinkler systems to conserve water efficiently.

Even the most efficient systems benefit from conscious daily use. Making small behavioral changes can further reduce your home’s energy consumption.

Simple habits to adopt:

• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
• Unplug electronics or use smart power strips to prevent phantom energy drain
• Wash clothes in cold water and hang dry when possible
• Run dishwashers and laundry machines with full loads only

Use energy-monitoring devices or apps to track your household consumption and identify areas where you can make improvements.

Energy efficiency isn’t just about savings—it’s about creating a comfortable, environmentally responsible home that supports the Coronado lifestyle. Whether you make small upgrades or embark on larger projects, your efforts will enhance your quality of life while reducing your ecological footprint.

At Del Coronado Realty, we understand the value of homes that balance luxury with sustainability. Whether you're searching for an energy-efficient property or looking to improve the one you already own, our team of local real estate experts is here to help.

Visit DelCoronadoRealty.com to explore listings, schedule a consultation, or learn more about how we can help you buy or sell a home that aligns with your lifestyle goals. A more comfortable, efficient, and eco-friendly future starts at home.