How Energy-Efficient Upgrades Can Save You Money (and Boost Home Comfort)
Homeowners across the Des Moines area are realizing that energy efficiency isn’t just about helping the planet — it’s about keeping more money in your pocket and creating a home that feels better year-round. Whether you’re planning a remodel, building an addition, or updating your home’s systems, energy-smart improvements can make a significant difference in both comfort and cost.
At Dunlap Remodeling, we’ve seen firsthand how small upgrades can lead to big returns for homeowners in Urbandale and throughout central Iowa. Let’s break down the most impactful ways to make your home more efficient — and why now is the perfect time to do it.
1. Start with Your Home’s Insulation and Air Sealing
One of the simplest and most cost-effective energy upgrades is improving insulation and sealing leaks. Iowa’s cold winters and humid summers can drive up energy bills fast if your home isn’t properly sealed. Insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and walls helps stabilize indoor temperatures, so your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work overtime.
Air sealing — especially around windows, doors, and ductwork — prevents drafts and keeps conditioned air inside. Many Des Moines-area homes built before the 1990s are under-insulated, which means homeowners could be losing hundreds of dollars every year in wasted energy.
2. Upgrade Windows and Doors
Old windows are one of the biggest culprits of energy loss. Swapping them for energy-efficient double- or triple-pane windows can dramatically reduce heat transfer. Low-E glass coatings reflect infrared light, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter without blocking natural sunlight.
When remodeling, we recommend energy-efficient doors as well — especially for entryways and patios that face direct sun or strong winds. Not only will these upgrades cut down on your utility bills, but they’ll also make your home quieter and more comfortable all year long.
3. Choose Smart HVAC Systems and Controls
Heating and cooling account for roughly half of a home’s energy use. Modern HVAC systems are significantly more efficient than those installed just 10 years ago. High-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, and smart thermostats can easily trim 20–40% off your annual energy costs.
For homes in the Des Moines metro area, where temperatures swing from freezing winters to muggy summers, we often recommend zoning systems or ductless mini-splits. These options let you control heating and cooling in different areas of the home independently — perfect for remodeling projects or home additions.
4. Consider Energy-Smart Lighting and Appliances
It’s easy to overlook lighting, but switching to LED fixtures can make a noticeable difference on your monthly bill. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. When combined with ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances — like refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry units — the savings really add up.
In kitchen or bathroom remodels, upgrading appliances is one of the simplest ways to make your home more eco-friendly without compromising on style or performance.
5. Improve Efficiency with Professional Remodeling
Energy efficiency isn’t just about products — it’s about design and installation. At Dunlap Remodeling, we focus on how every element of your remodel works together: insulation, materials, layout, lighting, and airflow. We make sure each decision enhances comfort, reduces energy use, and increases the long-term value of your home.
Our remodeling projects across Des Moines often include a combination of efficiency improvements — from new windows and updated HVAC systems to smart lighting and better building materials. The result is a home that looks great, feels great, and costs less to operate.
6. The Long-Term Payoff
Energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just a short-term cost saver — they’re an investment in your home’s future. Reduced utility bills, improved indoor air quality, and higher resale value all make efficiency upgrades one of the smartest remodeling choices you can make.
Plus, local Des Moines and Urbandale homeowners may qualify for rebates or tax incentives for certain energy improvements, helping offset initial costs even more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a remodel and want to lower your home’s energy costs while improving comfort, now is the time to act. Partnering with a trusted local contractor like Dunlap Remodeling ensures that every upgrade — from insulation to smart systems — is handled with precision and care.
Ready to make your Des Moines home more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective? Contact Dunlap Remodeling today to schedule a consultation and start planning your next energy-smart project.
