10 Ideas for Energy-Saving Products in Your New Home
At Ernest Homes, we believe in doing things the right way. That means building homes that feel great to live in and are smart about how they use energy. From the way we design our floor plans to the products we recommend, our goal is to help you enjoy a comfortable, efficient home that keeps monthly utility bills in check.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new Ernest home or you’re planning your next one, these energy-saving products can take your home’s efficiency to the next level.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Your New Home
Energy-efficient homes do more than save money. They’re more comfortable, better for the environment, and often more durable over time. Modern building techniques and products can help keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and healthier all year long.
Ernest homes already include many efficiency-focused features, and you can build on that strong foundation with smart devices and eco-friendly upgrades. Here are ten energy-saving products worth considering for your new home.
Smart Products That Help You Save Energy
1. Programmable & Smart Thermostats
A programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut energy use. These devices let you set schedules based on your daily routine so your HVAC system doesn’t work harder than it needs to.
Some models can be controlled from your smartphone, while others learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature. Even small changes—like lowering the heat a few degrees at night—can make a noticeable difference on your utility bill.
2. LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs use about 75% less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They turn on instantly, produce less heat, and are available in a variety of brightness levels and color temperatures, from warm and cozy to crisp and bright.
Swap out frequently used lights first—such as kitchen, hallway, and exterior fixtures—to start seeing savings right away.
3. Smart Plugs
Many electronics and small appliances continue to draw power even when they’re “off.” Smart plugs help you manage this hidden energy use by allowing you to schedule, monitor, and shut off devices from an app.
They’re great for lamps, coffee makers, TVs, game consoles, and any gadget you don’t need running all day.
4. Motion Sensors for Lighting
Motion sensors pair perfectly with smart or LED lights. They can automatically turn lights on when someone enters a room and switch them off when the space is empty, so no one has to remember to flip the switch.
Consider adding motion sensors in hallways, bathrooms, closets, and garages—areas where lights are often accidentally left on.
5. Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Water is a resource worth protecting, too. Smart sprinkler controllers help you save water (and money) by tailoring your irrigation schedule to weather patterns, soil conditions, and your landscaping needs.
Many models can skip a watering cycle if rain is in the forecast, ensuring your lawn stays healthy without wasting water.
6. Smart, Energy-Efficient Appliances
Today’s dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are designed to use less water and electricity without sacrificing performance. Smart appliances take it a step further with features like energy monitoring, load sensing, and remote control.
When you’re ready to upgrade, look for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and consider models that can run during off-peak hours for additional savings.
7. Solar Panels
Solar panels allow you to harness the sun’s energy and offset a portion of your home’s electricity usage. While they require an upfront investment, the long-term savings on monthly bills can be significant, and many homeowners appreciate the added independence from rising energy costs.
A local solar professional can help you determine whether your roof, orientation, and lifestyle make solar a good fit for your home.
8. Solar-Powered Exterior Lights
Solar pathway and landscape lights are one of the simplest upgrades you can make. They charge during the day and automatically turn on at dusk, providing safety and curb appeal with no wiring and no ongoing energy cost.
Use them to highlight walkways, porches, patios, or garden beds around your Ernest home.
9. Eco Chargers
Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers can quietly draw power even when they’re not actively charging. Eco chargers are designed to stop pulling electricity once your device reaches a full charge, helping reduce “phantom” energy use.
They’re an easy, low-cost swap that adds up over time—especially in busy households with lots of devices.
10. Whole-Home Energy Monitors
Energy monitors provide a real-time snapshot of how much electricity your home is using and which devices are using the most. Installed inside your electrical panel by a licensed electrician, these monitors connect to an app so you can track usage, set alerts, and spot opportunities to save.
Seeing the data often makes it easier to change habits and prioritize the upgrades that will make the biggest impact.
How Ernest Homes Builds Energy Efficiency In From Day One
Energy savings don’t start with gadgets—they start with good building practices. Ernest homes are designed with features like high-performance windows, advanced insulation, and quality HVAC systems to help keep your home comfortable and efficient from the day you move in.
Our homes in communities across Richmond Hill and Guyton are energy tested and rated, giving you added confidence that your new home is working for you behind the scenes.
Create an Energy-Smart Home with Ernest Homes
Choosing the right energy-saving products is a smart way to protect your budget and the environment while enjoying a more comfortable home. Combine these upgrades with the efficient construction of an Ernest home, and you’ll have a space that feels good to live in every day.
If you’re dreaming of an eco-friendly home in Coastal Georgia, explore our new home communities, browse our floor plans, and connect with our team to get started on your new energy-efficient Ernest home.
