Energy Efficiency Tips

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest advantages of buying a new construction home is the built-in energy efficiency. Improved insulation, modern HVAC systems, high-performance windows, and energy-conscious building standards all work in your favor. However, even the most energy-efficient home can become inefficient without proper care and smart habits. The way you use your heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, and water affects your monthly bills far more than most homeowners realize.

This guide breaks down simple yet powerful steps you can take to lower energy consumption, reduce waste, and maintain year-round comfort — whether you live in a Gallardo Homes community or anywhere throughout Washington and Oregon.

Use Your Thermostat Wisely

Your thermostat plays the biggest role in how much energy your home uses. Small, consistent changes to your temperature settings can significantly reduce your monthly costs without sacrificing comfort. In cooler months, keeping your thermostat around 68–70 degrees helps maintain warmth without overworking your heating system. During warmer seasons, increasing the temperature to around 74–76 degrees allows your air conditioning to run efficiently while still keeping your home comfortable.

Programmable thermostats — or smart thermostats — allow you to automate these settings throughout the day. For example, you can slightly reduce heating or cooling when you’re away at work or asleep and bring the temperature back to your preferred range before you return home. Over time, these small adjustments can add up to meaningful savings.

Replace HVAC Filters Often

One of the simplest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by replacing your HVAC filters regularly. Filters that become clogged with dust, pet hair, and debris force your heating and cooling system to work harder to push air through the vents. This extra strain leads to higher energy usage and can shorten the lifespan of your equipment.

For most homes, replacing air filters every 30 to 60 days keeps airflow clear and helps your HVAC system operate at peak performance. Staying consistent also improves your indoor air quality — a major benefit for households with pets, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

New construction homes typically feature large, energy-efficient windows designed to bring in abundant natural light. By opening blinds and curtains during daylight hours, you can illuminate your home without relying on artificial lighting. Not only does this reduce electricity usage, but it also helps warm your home naturally during cooler seasons. Simply adjusting when and how you use your window coverings can significantly improve comfort while lowering your reliance on overhead lighting.

Switch to LED Lighting

If your home includes any fixtures that still use incandescent bulbs, replacing them with LED bulbs is one of the fastest ways to reduce energy consumption. LED lights use a fraction of the electricity and last far longer, which means fewer replacements and lower overall costs. Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and outdoor fixtures benefit especially from LED upgrades, and the difference in energy use is immediate.

Seal Drafts and Maintain Caulking

Even in brand-new homes, materials naturally expand and contract with the seasons. Caulking around windows, doors, trim, and baseboards can shrink slightly in the first year, creating small gaps that allow warm or cool air to escape. While these gaps are normal, addressing them early keeps your home tightly sealed and helps your HVAC system work more efficiently.

A quick inspection every few months allows you to touch up areas that need additional sealant. Maintaining these seals protects against drafts, reduces heating and cooling costs, and prevents moisture from entering places it shouldn’t.

Use Your Ceiling Fans Year-Round

Ceiling fans are one of the most underrated tools for controlling indoor comfort. In the summer, setting your fan to spin counterclockwise helps push cool air downward, making your home feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. In the winter, switching the direction to clockwise at a low speed gently circulates warm air without creating a draft. Using fans strategically can reduce the load on your HVAC system and keep temperatures consistent throughout your home.

Run Appliances Efficiently

The way you use your kitchen and laundry appliances has a noticeable effect on your energy bill. Dishwashers and washing machines run most efficiently with full loads, so avoid running multiple small cycles when possible. Using cold water for laundry reduces both water-heating costs and fabric wear. Cleaning your dryer’s lint trap after every use improves airflow and shortens drying time, which in turn reduces electricity consumption. Over time, these small changes help your appliances work better and last longer.

Lower Water Heating Costs

Water heating is often one of the largest energy expenses in a household. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees — instead of the factory setting, which is often higher — helps reduce energy usage while still providing comfortable hot water. Using low-flow showerheads and fixing leaks promptly also contributes to lower water and energy bills. If your home has a tankless water heater, following the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations helps ensure optimal efficiency.

Manage Indoor Humidity Levels

Balancing humidity is essential for both comfort and energy savings. Homes with high humidity often feel warmer, causing you to run your air conditioning more. Homes with low humidity feel colder, leading to increased heating usage. Keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent helps your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently. Bathroom fans, kitchen ventilation, dehumidifiers, and proper airflow all play important roles in maintaining this balance.

Look Into Local Utility Programs

Many utility companies in Washington and Oregon offer incentives for energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, LED upgrades, and even home energy audits. These programs can help you save money on improvements and reduce monthly usage. Exploring available rebates and discounts online or through your provider can uncover valuable opportunities to save.

CONCLUSION

New construction homes already provide a strong foundation for energy efficiency, but the habits you build as a homeowner make the biggest difference. Simple steps like adjusting your thermostat, replacing filters, sealing small gaps, and running appliances efficiently can significantly lower your monthly bills while keeping your home comfortable year-round. Whether you live in a Gallardo Homes community or anywhere in Washington or Oregon, practicing these energy-smart habits will protect your home’s systems and help you get the most out of your investment.