When you live in an energy-efficient house, you can lower utility costs and shrink your carbon footprint at the same time. Efficient upgrades reduce energy and water use, and many now qualify for 30% federal tax credits or new state-run rebates rolling out in 2025, making improvements more affordable than in years past (IRS 25C/25D FAQs; DOE Home Energy Rebates).
When global temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, we not only see more intense storms, but also droughts that leave our forests one gender-reveal away from going up in flames.
Action matters. “To mitigate climate change, change has to start on an individual level. Thinking through ways to reduce environmental impact at home is critical,” Dan Hulst, Preserve Director at the Ventura Land Trust, explains.
If you want to do your part, we’ve got energy- and water-saving tips you can start now, plus high-impact upgrades you can plan over time. Many projects qualify for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (for solar, batteries, geothermal) or the 30% Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (for items like heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, windows/doors, and energy audits).
It might not feel that way. We know that this year has left many of us hard-pressed. But in 2025, new state Home Energy Rebates are launching and can stack with federal credits in many cases, especially for low- and moderate-income households, bringing upfront costs down for popular upgrades like heat pumps and weatherization.
They’ll help you slash your utility bills and they might even help you save on your home insurance, too. “Consumers who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint to save the planet can also end up saving money when they ‘go green’ through insurance,” Scott Holeman, Director of Media Relations at the Insurance Information Institute (III), says. We’ll have more on that for you later in this article. For solar and other equipment, insurers and regulators advise notifying your carrier to review coverage, limits, and any special deductibles or endorsements (NAIC; Insurance Information Institute).
It’s also helpful to know that you have plenty of options to finance these modifications. Between incentives and rebates from the federal government and state energy offices, utility programs, and mortgage-based options, many projects can be cash-flow positive. In particular, the 30% credits under §25C and §25D can materially reduce net costs; states are also rolling out Home Energy Rebates that lower upfront prices at the point of sale.
Let’s look at how to make your home more energy efficient.
- Top 10 Types of Home Modifications
- Let Your Homeowners Insurance Help With The Tab
- Other Ways To Save Money on Eco-Friendly Modifications
- Scale Green Home Modifications to Fit You
Top 10 Types of Home Modifications
If you put in the effort to create a more energy efficient home, you’ll reap plenty of benefits. “Green homes, on the one hand, help you live more sustainably,” Sarah Stanley, Director of Communications at the U.S. Green Building Council, says. “It’s also an opportunity for us to live healthier lives. These practices help to reduce air pollution, improve water quality, and reduce the amount of potential toxins or contaminants that go into our homes. There’s a really important health message that goes along with green homes.” Independent portfolio analyses echo this: high-performance/LEED buildings in federal portfolios have shown double-digit reductions in energy and water use and lower operating costs versus conventional baselines (GSA).
Whether you’re looking for energy saving tips to do your part to combat climate change, to keep more money in your pocket, or to make your home healthier, you’ve got options. Some larger-scale projects, like installing solar panels or a heat pump, require planning and budget. Others, including LED lighting and composting, are low-cost and easy to start.
“There’s a misconception that green is luxury and means high dollars, but the industry has grown so much over the years that there are affordable, sustainable options out there,” Stanley says. We’ll explore practical upgrades and the incentives that can help pay for them, with references to current federal credits and state programs.
If you’ve already decided which green home modifications are right for you, you can click [here] to jump immediately to our section on ways to save.
Energy efficiency options
Solar Panels
This is one of the higher-cost options on this list, but it’s also one of the easiest green home modifications to finance thanks to long-lived federal incentives. The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% credit for residential solar through 2032, stepping down in 2033 and 2034; eligible standalone batteries (≥3 kWh) also qualify. DOE provides a homeowner guide to what costs are eligible and how to claim (DOE Energy Saver).
As Hulst says, “Everyone has different resources available to them, but if you’re able to make a push for sustainable energy at home — specifically solar — there are a lot of arguments around why that’s a good idea.”
When you install solar panels, you can power your home (or at least part of it, depending on how many panels you install) with energy from the sun rather than pulling from your local power grid. Export compensation rules for excess generation vary by state and utility, so check your local policies via DSIRE. In some cases, if you generate an excess of energy and connect your panels to said grid, you can even sell your extra energy back to the power company.
The downside with solar is the cost of getting it installed. Typical 2025 residential pricing runs roughly $2.70–$3.40 per watt before incentives; for a 7–10 kW system that’s about $19,000–$34,000 before credits. After the 30% federal credit, many homeowners see net costs around $13,000–$24,000 (before any state/utility incentives). Batteries commonly cost about $1,000–$1,300 per kWh installed (≈$10,000–$17,000 for 10–15 kWh) and also qualify for the 30% credit (EnergySage marketplace data).
But we have some good news to temper that high cost. Getting multiple itemized quotes can help you compare equipment, labor, and financing fees accurately (marketplace intel). More good news: homebuyers are often willing to pay more for efficient, solar-equipped homes, and there are tax incentives and rebates to help with the cost. File Form 5695 to claim eligible credits if you own the system.
Additionally, some states offer tax credits for solar and some states, counties, and municipalities offer cash rebates. States and utilities also offer performance-based incentives and renewable energy certificates—always verify what’s active in your area on DSIRE. Ultimately, installing solar is an investment, but incentives can shorten payback and batteries can add backup power and bill management value where time-of-use rates apply.

Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
High-efficiency electric heat pumps can replace or supplement furnaces and air conditioners, and heat pump water heaters can dramatically cut water-heating energy. In 2025, these are among the most incentivized upgrades: the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) covers 30% of costs with an annual cap up to $3,200, including up to $2,000 specifically for heat pumps or heat pump water heaters. New state Home Energy Rebates (rolling out state-by-state) can layer additional point-of-sale discounts—often highest for low- and moderate-income households and for deeper energy savings.
Practical tips: sequence envelope upgrades (insulation/air sealing) before sizing a heat pump so you can right-size the system; check approved equipment lists for your state’s rebate program; and confirm electrical panel capacity during quoting. If you prioritize resilience or time-of-use bill savings, pairing a heat pump with a smart thermostat and—where appropriate—battery storage can add comfort and control. See federal credit rules and documentation requirements in the IRS FAQs and your state’s Home Energy Rebates guidance.
Recycling and waste management options
Composting bin
You don’t have to build an energy efficient home to reduce your environmental impact in major ways. Take composting as an example.
Food is the single largest material landfilled in the U.S., accounting for about 24% of landfilled municipal solid waste in 2022 (EPA MSW Facts & Figures). Landfills are also the third‑largest source of U.S. methane emissions (EPA GHG Inventory). By diverting organics to composting, you avoid the anaerobic conditions that generate methane. EPA’s WARM v16 indicates that composting one ton of food scraps instead of landfilling can avoid on the order of a few hundred kilograms of CO2e (roughly ~0.3–0.6 tCO2e/ton, depending on assumptions) (WARM).
By composting your food scraps and food waste at home, you divert your food from the landfill. It has the chance to break down naturally, dramatically reducing your household’s contribution to methane emissions. As Hulst says, “It’s relatively easy to implement and it can make a big difference because of those gas emissions.” For basics on reducing food waste and organics diversion, see EPA’s sustainable management of food and get started with a composting guide.
The cost of composting is minimal, too. All you need is a place to compost, whether that’s a larger apparatus in your backyard or a tiny bin under your kitchen sink. You can buy small bins for around $20 or turnable backyard options for about $200.
Composting might have another benefit, too. “If you start composting, you start to think more closely about what you’re putting in your body. The benefits are that you think more about what you’re consuming, what you’re buying and the power that making those decisions has,” Hulst says.
Trash compactor
With landfills top of mind, let’s talk about trash compactors. These give you a way to reduce the space your trash takes up in a landfill. And, because they squish all your trash down, they mean using fewer plastic trash bags, which is an environmental win. If you do get a trash compactor, look for paper or biodegradable bags to fit your unit.
Trash compactors’ environmental impact are a bit contested, though. Some people argue that the trash gets too tightly packed to break down once it does reach a landfill.
Still, trash compacting might interest you because it can translate to quick savings. With your trash space minimized, you may be able to reduce the number of trash pickups your household needs.
If you’re thinking about a trash compactor, be prepared to spend about $1,000.
Living Area Options
Attic fans
Attics fans, also called whole house fans, are a way to cool your house without the major energy expenditure (and general expenditure) of running an A/C unit. You position these large-scale fans in your well-ventilated attic so they can circulate fresh air through your house.
Another pro: attic fans are generally more cost-effective than other cooling options, costing as little as $150.
If you do opt for an attic fan, make sure you get a winter cover that seals tightly and check that your attic is properly insulated.
Upgrade lighting
If you’ve been wondering how to make your home more energy efficient with minimal cost and hassle, this tip is for you. Swap in LEDs as your default choice. Typical LED A‑lamps now deliver roughly 90–120 lumens per watt and use about 75–85% less energy than incandescent and roughly 30–45% less than comparable CFLs for the same light output (DOE LED Lighting; IEA). LEDs also turn on instantly, dim well, and contain no mercury, unlike CFLs (which typically contain a few milligrams and require special disposal; EPA).
An LED bulb can last 25,000 hours. Typical consumer LEDs today are rated around 15,000–25,000 hours (DOE). At 3 hours/day, that’s roughly 14–23 years of life. Using a representative U.S. electricity price of about $0.16/kWh, a 9 W LED used 3 hours/day costs ≈$1.60/year to operate versus ≈$10.60/year for a 60 W incandescent—about $9 in annual savings per socket (derived from EIA averages).
LEDs are rapidly becoming even more efficient. A new federal standard requires most general service lamps to meet 120 lumens per watt starting in 2028, effectively cementing high‑efficiency LEDs as the baseline and phasing out lower-performing options (DOE standard). If you upgrade fixtures, look for ENERGY STAR-certified fixtures to maximize savings and performance.

Bathroom Options
Low-flow toilets
We’re moving from energy saving tips to water saving ones for a moment, but you’ll still save money through a lower water bill.
And if you’re looking to green your home, it’s important to consider your toilet. The EPA says that toilets are the single biggest indoor water user for American households.
Low-flow toilets slash the amount of water you use with each flush. Swapping out your porcelain throne could mean saving 13,000 gallons of water each year. In addition to minimizing the waste of a critical resource, you can also slash your water bill but as much as $140 annually and might save as much as $2,900 over the life of the toilet.
There is a cost to consider here, though. Between the toilet itself and installation, be ready to pay about $500 for this green home modification.
Water saving faucets/fixtures
Water-saving faucets can help you save in two ways. First, of course, there’s the reduction in water consumption. But they can also help you reduce your energy consumption because with them, you’ll use less hot water. Basically, they’re a way to give your water heater and your wallet a break.
Fortunately, finding efficient faucets is easy. Just look for the WaterSense seal. These faucets will slash your water usage by about 30% without affecting your sink’s performance. You don’t have to do a full faucet swap, either. You can screw on a WaterSense aerator — which costs just a few bucks — for energy and money savings.
While you’re at it, check out your shower. Perform this quick test from Energy.gov: Mark a one-gallon line on a bucket. Put the bucket under your shower and turn it on. If it takes less than 20 seconds to hit the gallon mark, your household could see water and money savings with a low-flow showerhead.
Again, look for the WaterSense seal here. A WaterSense showerhead could help your household save 2,700 gallons of water each year. You can choose your own adventure here: a basic WaterSense showerhead could cost you as little as about $40, or you can spend a few hundred for a fancy option.
Remodeling options
Adding insulation where needed
If you’re wondering how to make your home more energy efficient, it’s time to perform a heat loss check. You can spring for a full-blown thermographic inspection or you can go the DIY route. Energy.gov has a guide you can follow for your inspection.
Heating and cooling loss is a major obstacle to an energy efficient home. When your house can’t stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, you work your HVAC system overtime.
Fortunately, improving your insulation can undo this problem, helping you save big on your utility costs. Making this change can help you slash your energy bills by 10%.
Once you identify where your home is losing heat, it’s all about correcting it. That might mean:
- Insulating your attic
- Sealing and insulating your basement or crawlspace
- Sealing around your windows and doors
- Putting plastic over your windows in rarely used rooms
The cost for this project varies depending on what tasks you have ahead of you. Caulking around your windows won’t cost much, but expect to pay as much as a couple thousand dollars to insulate your attic.
Upgrade your roofing
Making a change to your roof is one of the energy saving tips with far-reaching implications. Not only does a better roof help you lower heat loss and improve your home’s energy efficiency, but it also improves your home value and can potentially lower your home insurance premiums. In fact, you might be able to reduce your home insurance costs by as much as 35% with a new roof.
If you’re going to get a new roof, look for ENERGY STAR-certified roof products. This will give you a roof that’s great at reflecting the sun’s rays, keeping you cool in the summer and maintaining indoor temperatures, therefore keeping you warm in the winter. Note: most standard roofing materials are not eligible for today’s federal 25C tax credit (post‑IRA) except in narrow cases—confirm eligibility in the IRS 25C FAQs before assuming a federal incentive applies.
This is the most expensive of the energy saving tips we’ve recommended. A new roof can cost you around $10,000, and you’ll likely pay more if you opt for ENERGY STAR-rated shingles or other products.
Let Your Homeowners Insurance Help With The Tab
If you want to green your house, your homeowners insurance might be able to help. “There are opportunities for homeowners to save some green with eco-friendly policies. Options include premium discounts for LEED-certified homes,” Holeman says, adding, “Homeowners may also want to consider endorsements for eco-friendly replacement materials, which are offered on some standard homeowners policies. That means that after a loss, policyholders are allowed to replace or rebuild with more sustainable materials.” In 2025, recurring premium discounts specifically for “green” features are limited and vary by state; the more common path is an optional “green rebuild/eco‑upgrade” endorsement that pays extra to replace with high‑efficiency or environmentally preferable items after a covered loss (Forbes Advisor; NerdWallet).
What, exactly, is LEED? It’s short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, it’s the global standard for green building design. And you can get your home LEED-certified.
LEED adoption continues to expand in both residential and commercial markets. Federal portfolio analyses report double‑digit reductions in energy and water use and lower operating costs for high‑performance/LEED buildings (GSA). In offices, roughly half of major‑market inventory is now green‑certified (LEED and/or ENERGY STAR), underscoring mainstream market acceptance (CBRE/Maastricht 2024). For residential, USGBC reports hundreds of thousands of cumulative LEED‑certified dwelling units globally and ongoing annual additions, especially in multifamily (USGBC LEED for Homes; Top 10 States for LEED).
LEED certification is feasible if you’re taking on a new build and you want to build an energy efficient home or if you’re starting a major remodel. In those cases, getting LEED-certified may seem like just another to-do on your list, but it could help you save on your home insurance premiums.
Travelers, for example, offers a green home discount. “With that discount, policyholders can save up to 5% on their premium if their home is certified by LEED. We offer that discount to incentivize environmentally responsible behavior,” Angi Orbann, Vice President of Personal Insurance/Property at Travelers, explains.
That’s not your only option for leveraging your home insurance to go green, either. Orbann says that Travelers knows that “green materials are a little bit more expensive.” To help, they offer an endorsement (basically, additional coverage) for green homes. “If a customer is interested in and committed to building green, if something were to happen to their home, that endorsement allows extra money in the event of that loss to help them rebuild or repair with green materials and processes,” she explains.
Three home insurance companies to check out for green home savings are:
- Travelers: For the 5% green home discount and optional green home endorsement we just explored.
- Farmers: Farmers offers Eco-Rebuild coverage, which gives you an additional $25,000 after a covered loss to replace materials and appliances with green ones. They also offer discounts for LEED certification, ENERGY STAR appliances, and more. Availability varies by state/insurer and may change; verify current offerings with an agent.
- Allstate: Allstate doesn’t offer any specific discounts for green homes as far as we can tell, but they do offer green improvement reimbursement, or additional coverage to help you rebuild green after a covered loss. Availability varies by state/insurer; confirm details before purchase.
Clearly, home insurance providers are starting to think through supporting homeowners with green priorities. From an insurance perspective, carriers emphasize that rooftop solar is typically insurable but may require coverage reviews, higher dwelling limits, or equipment breakdown endorsements for components such as inverters and batteries; policies and deductibles can vary by state and peril, so notify your insurer before or after installation (NAIC; Insurance Information Institute). In other words, if you do make green home modifications, talk to your insurance agent about them to make sure they’re properly covered.

Other Ways To Save Money on Eco-Friendly Modifications
This is just the beginning. ENERGY STAR has a tool you can use to explore other ways to make your home greener while keeping more green in your wallet.
Let’s explore some of your options for paying for these changes:
- Tax credits: The current federal credits are far more robust than in years past. Homeowners can use the 30% Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) — up to $3,200 per year with sub‑limits (including up to $2,000 for heat pumps or heat pump water heaters) — and the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) for solar PV, battery storage (≥3 kWh), geothermal, and more. Claim using Form 5695. Many states are launching Home Energy Rebates that can stack with tax credits depending on state rules.
- Mortgage options: If you’re buying a new home or refinancing, consider mortgage‑embedded options that finance upgrades at first‑mortgage rates. An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) can roll cost‑effective improvements into an FHA‑insured loan. Freddie Mac’s GreenCHOICE Mortgage lets borrowers finance energy, resiliency, and renewable upgrades with a purchase or refinance. The FHA PowerSaver program has also supported green home improvements in certain contexts; check availability.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: The U.S. Department of Energy offers this program to low-income households. This program can help you implement measures at home to save water and energy. If you’re interested in this program, check out the application guide here.
Clearly, you have options for financing a green home purchase or making green home modifications. You can use this tool to explore incentives and programs in your home state.
Scale Green Home Modifications to Fit You
Ultimately, you have all the power when it comes to making eco-friendly home modifications. You can choose low-cost, low-effort ones like swapping out your lightbulbs. Or you could act on today’s incentives — from 30% federal credits to state Home Energy Rebates — and install a heat pump, heat pump water heater, or solar with battery storage. Any steps you take can reduce both your carbon footprint and your utility bills.
As Hulst says, “Individuals can make a difference. It starts with small changes at home. If enough people are doing those in your neighborhood, city, and state, it all adds up.”



