Why waste money on electricity and water for your outdoor spaces when you can be eco-conscious and efficient? Check out these cheap energy-saving/water-saving ways to spruce up your landscaping and potentially start saving on your utility bills.

Plant shade trees

If your home gets minimal shade during the day, you’re most likely using a lot of air conditioning to stay cool in summer. Instead of running the A/C 24/7, try planting trees that offer some relief from the hot summer days.

Experts suggest planting deciduous trees in an arc around your home’s east, southeast, south, southwest and west faces. Deciduous trees can block sunlight from directly hitting your house. Unlike evergreens, deciduous trees will be bare during the colder months, letting the sunshine warm your home.

Since heating and cooling can make up approximately 50% of a household’s electricity use, planting shade trees strategically can greatly impact your energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that carefully positioned trees could save up to 25% of a typical home’s energy use. It’s also a win for the environment, as trees help absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Use solar lighting

What’s better than cheap energy? Free energy! Solar lighting is all the rage, and for good reason. Capturing energy from the sun’s rays and converting it into electricity for free is a no-brainer compared to wiring lamps and lights to a power source.

Plus, solar lighting options abound! Choose from post-top and pole lamps, ground or tabletop floor lamps, recessed, or accent lighting. Use them on your front porch, to line your driveway or walkway, to power your late-night deck party and more. Just remember to keep the glass or plastic that encases the solar cell clean so the sun can recharge it properly.

Water wisely

Before you reach for the hose or program your sprinkler system, confirm that you’re making the most of your watering efforts. One simple way to water efficiently is to do it in the morning, before 10 a.m.

Some people believe watering in the evening after temperatures cool down is better. However, moisture can attach to plants overnight and may cause fungus or other diseases. But watering in the early morning gives that water time to soak into plant roots before the hot weather evaporates it. (Since Texas has brutal summers, the earlier you can water, the better!)

Another smart watering strategy for a garden is to use a drip irrigation system. This method provides a slow, steady, and even watering of plant roots that reduces water waste.

These water-efficient landscaping strategies can help you drastically reduce your yard watering, which can lower the water bill.

Find cheap energy plans to fit your budget

Energy and water efficient landscaping techniques are just two ways to try and lower your utility bills. Another way is to search for cheap energy plans from Texas electricity providers you can trust and sign up for the one that best suits your needs and budget. To start your search, compare pricing and enroll within minutes, visit Everything Energy.

With energy pricing being a significant expense for most, energy-efficient homes and features are gaining popularity with home buyers nationwide.

A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) What Home Buyers Really Want study showed that 15% of home buyers would pay more for a home described as “environmentally friendly.” Further, 57% of home buyers would pay $5,000 or more above the home’s price for energy-efficient upgrades that would save them $1,000 a year in utility costs. And, of course, electricity plays a large role in the environment and utility bills.

So, whether you’re selling your home soon or planning to make upgrades, check out the energy-saving features buyers seek that could net you a strong return on investment (ROI).

Revamp your HVAC system

With space heating and cooling among most homes’ top three energy-consuming appliances, give your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system special consideration. Is your current HVAC equipment getting old? You have a few options for making heating and air conditioning more efficient.

You could consider replacing it with an all-in-one electric air-source heat pump, which is more efficient and may use less energy than a traditional HVAC system. Plus, according to a study by Nature Energy, homes with an electric air-source heat pump enjoyed an average 4.3-7.1% price premium when sold.

You could also replace your HVAC components with more efficient machinery. For example, an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner uses about 8% less energy than a conventional new model.

Or you could convert your HVAC system from fossil fuel to an electric heat pump (also known as HVAC electrification). This could yield a 66% ROI, according to national averages from Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report. That’s in addition to lowering your carbon footprint and any monthly savings on your cost of energy.

Install a heat pump water heater

Water heating accounts for about 18% of household electrical usage in an average U.S. home. Upgrading to a heat pump water heater can increase your home’s value by making it more energy efficient.

According to Energy.gov, an ENERGY STAR®-rated heat pump water heater is up to 4 times more efficient and uses 70% less energy than a standard model. It’s estimated that this type of water heater can save up to $550 in annual electricity costs for a family of four.

Update your windows

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-rated windows ranks as the #4 most-wanted feature in NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want list, with 39% of surveyed home buyers labeling them as “essential/must haves” and another 44% rating them as a “desirable” feature.

If your budget won’t allow you to make this upgrade, don’t despair. You can often fix drafty windows with insulation and by sealing air leaks, which is more economical and can still impress home buyers and their inspectors.

Insulate your attic

Properly insulating your attic (and sealing air leaks around doors and windows) can make your home more energy efficient. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that effective air sealing and insulation throughout a home can save homeowners 15% on heating and cooling costs. And Realtor.com lists attic insulation as an energy-efficiency improvement that offers one of the best returns on investment.

The amount of insulation your home needs depends on your local climate. Use this R-Value map and chart to determine how much insulation different areas of your home should have.

Consider adding solar panels

Rooftop solar can be a very attractive feature to potential home buyers for three big reasons.

First, any electricity generated by the home’s solar panels is energy that doesn’t have to be bought, reducing the monthly cost of energy.

Second, the “buyback” or “payback” plans from retailers like Green Mountain Energy and Reliant Energy, which give you bill credits for selling back any excess solar energy produced by your panels, is a favorable solar energy pricing model.

And third, using renewable energy helps lower the homeowner’s carbon footprint.

According to a Zillow study, installing solar panels has a large upfront cost, but homes with solar-energy systems sell for up to 4.1% more.

Upgrade your kitchen appliances

As the heart of many homes, a kitchen’s condition can make or break a real estate sale. An updated kitchen with ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances ranks in the Top 10 Most Wanted features in NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want list, with 33% of surveyed home buyers naming it an “essential/must have” and another 48% rating it as a “desirable” feature.

In addition to providing a sleek look, modern appliances are more energy-efficient than older models, resulting in lower energy costs for buyers. According to one estimate, upgraded kitchen appliances have an average ROI of 60-80%.

Don’t forget about the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and rebates

The federal government offers up to $3,200 in tax credits annually for qualified energy-efficient home improvements made before January 1, 2033. 

Qualifying expenses include insulation, exterior doors and windows, home energy audits by a qualified home energy auditor, central air conditioners, certain types of water heaters, electric or natural gas heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, and more. Find more details on the IRS page, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

Many ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances and electronics offer rebates, as well. If you purchase one of these appliances, make sure to check the ENERGY STAR® rebate finder so you don’t miss out on additional savings.

Find energy pricing, electricity providers, and more with Everything Energy

Not ready to make upgrades but still want to lower your monthly cost of energy? Try a new electricity plan from a trusted Texas electricity provider. Use our personalized search tools to narrow down your options, compare energy pricing between plans and sign up today.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult a tax professional for details and advice on tax credits and eligibility.

If you’re planning a 4^th of July BBQ this weekend, you’re not alone. Almost 70% of Americans will have a cookout to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or spending time with your immediate family, you can still make it an energy-efficient occasion by following these easy, helpful tips approved by energy providers in Texas.

Tip #1: Keep the party outdoors

Make your 4th of July BBQ a fun and energy-efficient outdoor affair. By raising your air conditioner temperature and keeping the party outside (bathroom breaks are allowed, of course!), you’ll save energy and encourage unplugged activities like yard games and sports competitions. It’s a win-win for the environment and your enjoyment!

Tip #2: Cool off naturally

Even though you’ll be outside in the heat, you and your party can still stay comfortable using energy-free strategies. For example, seek out shade under a patio umbrella, awning, or tree to get relief from the direct sunlight. Or keep a cooling towel around your neck. And keep a supply of ice-cold beverages on hand to stay hydrated. You won’t even miss your air-conditioned living room when you plan ahead!

Tip #3: Serve cold apps and sides

Yes, a cookout or BBQ signals hot food will be served. But aside from grilling, you can avoid heat-producing appliances by serving chilled apps and side dishes like salad, fruit platters, and guac or cowboy caviar with chips. Since your refrigerator is always running anyway, you won’t be using any additional electricity for these sides. Plus, cold foods always pair well with hot summer days!

Tip #4: Cook with energy-efficient appliances

If you need to cook some items in your kitchen, you can still minimize energy usage by utilizing efficient appliances. So, if a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or microwave can do the job, use one of these instead of your oven or stove.

Tip #5: Use solar lighting

If your 4^th of July BBQ stretches late into the night, use solar lighting instead of traditional lights to keep the area well-lit and energy efficient. Solar lighting options abound, from string lights and tiki torches to floodlights and more. You’ll save electricity while basking in a nice, warm glow.

Discover even more ways to minimize electricity usage this Fourth of July >

Celebrate energy independence by shopping for energy providers in Texas

You have the power to choose your retail electricity provider and the electric plan that best suits your home, family, and needs. Shop Everything Energy for Texas energy providers that customers are raving about.