By Evelyn Long, editor in chief of Renovated Magazine
Energy-saving technology has the potential to make homes cheaper to operate, more comfortable and less damaging to the environment. However, not every household can afford to invest in solar panels, heat pumps or geothermal systems.
Understanding who is being left out and which technologies offer the best return for different households is an important step toward making energy efficiency more equitable.
Who’s Most Affected by the Green Tech Gap?
The average American homeowner pays around $400 per month on utility bills. However, lower-income families can spend roughly three times as much of their income on keeping their homes heated, cooled and powered compared to higher-income households.
Credit access, geography, housing age and the availability of qualified installers are some of the factors influencing the green tech gap. Many energy-saving technologies require money up front. Homeowners may need financing or substantial savings before they can install a new heating system, upgrade insulation or add solar. Rebates and assistance programs make larger upgrades more attainable.
Renters often cannot make permanent efficiency improvements without their landlord’s approval. Meanwhile, rural residents have fewer available contractors and limited access to specialized technologies. On the other hand, higher-income homeowners, property owners with financing options and households in areas with qualified contractors have better access to energy-saving technologies.
The Energy-Saving Technologies Making the Biggest Difference
Some energy-efficiency technologies are major investments that yield substantial long-term savings. Others are lower-cost starting points that households with fewer resources can gradually adopt.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems
Geothermal systems transfer heat between the home and the ground, providing an efficient way to maintain indoor comfort instead of relying entirely on outdoor air temperatures. The potential energy savings of this system can be significant. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal heating and cooling systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 72% compared with traditional heating and cooling systems.
However, installation of geothermal systems can involve substantial up-front costs. It may also not be practical for every property, such as those with limited land area and properties on solid bedrock or unstable soil.
Simple Shading Solutions
The most useful energy-saving strategies are often passive and simple. Households can stop unwanted heat from entering the home with shades, screens and other forms of sun protection. When less heat enters a home, cooling systems do not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. For households in hot or sunny climates, shading can therefore complement other efficiency measures without requiring the expense or complexity of a major HVAC renovation.
Patio screens can limit the amount of sunlight reaching a space, reducing both brightness and heat. Solar shades use specially designed fabrics to help protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays while providing additional control over incoming sunlight.
LED Lighting and Smart Upgrades
LED lighting offers an accessible entry point for energy savings. LED bulbs use up to 75% less power than incandescents and can last up to 25 times longer. Moreover, LEDs are long-lasting and produce little heat.
Smart thermostats and smart power strips are other relatively affordable upgrades. A smart thermostat can help manage heating and cooling schedules. A smart power strip can reduce unnecessary electricity use from electronics that consume power while sitting idle. Their lower cost makes them much easier for households to adopt.
Low-Cost Upgrades That Fit Any Budget
For households with limited room in the budget, small changes can provide a starting point and build momentum toward greater efficiency. Examples of budget-friendly upgrades under $100 include:
- Adding weatherstripping around doors to reduce drafts and unwanted air leakage.
- Installing low-flow showerheads to reduce water use and the energy required to heat that water.
- Maximizing natural light by opening windows instead of using overhead lighting.
- Regularly cleaning air conditioner filters to avoid consuming extra electricity.
Starting with a small, affordable project can help households identify other opportunities to save energy without feeling that sustainability requires an expensive lifestyle overhaul.
Programs and Policies Helping Close the Gap
Public programs and incentives help make energy efficiency more accessible. The federal Weatherization Assistance Program has helped more than 7.2 million families since 1976, with participating households saving $372 or more per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
This program shows why closing the green tech gap requires assisting households with up-front costs. Lower-income households can access technologies that would otherwise be out of reach.
What Renters and Communities Can Do Right Now
Renters and community groups can take practical steps even when major renovations are outside their control. For example, they can opt to use portable or removable upgrades such as LED bulbs, draft stoppers, smart power strips and temporary window treatments. These solutions can reduce utility bills and improve daily comfort without drastic changes or renovations. Since these aren’t permanent alterations, people can take the upgrades with them when they move.
Renters can also talk with landlords about efficiency improvements, particularly upgrades that can improve comfort and reduce operating costs for the property. These include smart thermostats, sealing and insulation, HVAC maintenance and energy-efficient appliances. These upgrades benefit both the renter and the landlord by lowering energy bills and potentially increasing property value and tenant retention.
Local assistance programs may provide weatherization services, rebates or energy-saving equipment. Additionally, neighbors or community organizations may have information about available programs and reputable contractors. For communities, sharing information can be almost as important as sharing resources. Most importantly, renters and community groups can advocate for better building standards and efficiency improvements in rental housing and community buildings.
Closing the Gap One Home at a Time
The range of available energy-saving solutions is growing, from simple weatherstripping and LED bulbs to advanced heating and cooling technologies. Public programs are also helping address the high up-front cost of making a home more efficient.
For homeowners, renters and communities alike, closing the gap can start with one practical step. Households can choose an upgrade that fits their budget and their living situation and build from there.