How to Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Home: A Guide for Colorado Homeowners

Down-to-earth advice to save energy (and money) year-round in Boulder, Longmont, Erie, and beyond.

Owning a home on Colorado's Front Range means four seasons—and the utility bills that come with them. From sweltering summer afternoons to below-freezing winter mornings, your heating and cooling systems are in overdrive. So how do you energy-efficiently retrofit your home without renovating completely?

Good news: You don't have to break the bank to cut down on your energy usage. With some smart upgrades and simple habits, you can keep your home cozy and lower those utility bills—whether you own a 1950s ranch in Boulder or a more modern home in Erie.

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1. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

What to do: Weatherstrip and caulk openings through which air leaks.

Why it works: Small drafts can create large losses. Sealing them improves temperature control and reduces the load on your HVAC system.

Local angle: Older homes in Lafayette or Longmont typically have original wood windows—excellent places to look for energy leaks.

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2. Switch Your Thermostat to a Smart Thermostat

What to do: Install a programmable or smart thermostat (like Ecobee or Nest).

Why it works: These devices learn your schedule and adjust temps automatically, cutting energy use when you’re away or asleep.

Bonus: Some Colorado utility companies even offer rebates for these upgrades.

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3. Add (or Replace) Insulation

What to do: Check attic insulation levels and look into upgrading if your home is drafty or your bills are too high.

Why it works: Adequate insulation keeps warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer.

Pro tip: In the Front Range, proper attic insulation is one of the least expensive upgrades you can do.

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4. Regularly Service Your Furnace and AC

What to do: Schedule annual HVAC maintenance—ideally spring and fall.

Why it works: A properly serviced system runs better, lasts longer, and cleans your air.

Colorado tip: Spring can also bring more dust and pollen—annual filter replacement is also helpful.

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5. Switch to LED Lighting

What to do: Replace incandescent or CFL bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs.

Why it works: LEDs save up to 90% of energy and last much longer.

Easy win: Start with your most used fixtures—like kitchen lights and porch lights.

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6. Make Proper Use of Ceiling Fans

What to do: Switch the direction of ceiling fans in winter (to force warm air downwards) and summer (to create a breeze).

Why it works: You'll be comfortable at a warmer temperature without having to fiddle with the thermostat.

Tip: Make sure that your ceiling fan has a reversible motor.

7. Substitute with Energy-Efficient Appliances

What to do: When replacing dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers, look for ENERGY STAR labels.

Why it works: They use less water and electricity—and rebates typically follow.

Real-world example: Replacing an old top-loader washing machine in your home in Longmont could save over 3,000 gallons of water per year.

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8. Add Window Treatments Which Help Insulate

What to do: Put in thermal curtains, cellular shades, or UV-blocking blinds.

Why it works: Keeps rooms warm in winter and cool in summer—especially in homes with lots of south-facing windows.

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9. Reduce Phantom Loads

What to do: Plug appliances into power strips and switch them off when unused.

Why it works: TVs, computers, and game consoles draw power even when they're turned off.

Easy habit: Unplug the toaster, chargers, or coffee maker when you leave the house for the day.

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10. Obtain a Home Energy Audit

What to do: Schedule an audit with a local energy professional or through Xcel Energy's Home Energy Squad.

Why it works: A professional will be able to pinpoint precisely where the inefficiencies are in your home—giving you a clear-cut map to better performance.

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Final Thoughts: Energy Efficiency = Comfort + Savings

Getting extra energy efficiency out of your home isn't just about lowering your electric bill (though that's a pretty decent side benefit). It's also about making your home more pleasant and reducing your carbon footprint—especially in an area where the weather can change overnight.

Regardless of whether you're living in a new subdivision in Superior or a mid-century home in Niwot, there's always something you can do to save energy at home. And when a job looks too big to tackle on your own, Alpine Home Repairs can help you—with sealing the leaks to finish insulation upgrades.

Alpine Home Repairs