You hear about Teslas and solar panels - but your windows might be the real MVP during a hot summer day. Many people are lured by the temptation to buy electric cars or install solar panels on their roofs, wanting to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. And while those technologies may do so, there are less expensive, more financially rewarding ways to manage energy use, such as through energy efficiency measures.

Energy efficiency could be a single appliance upgrade away. These upgrades are not gimmicky products; they are practical, tested, and increasingly affordable tools that lower your energy bills, reduce stress on the grid, and keep your home comfortable through all seasons.

Below, we highlight a handful of lesser-known but high-impact technologies that may pique your interest for your next home project.

1. Smart Plugs: The $20 Workhorse

Even when plugged in and powered “off,” devices and appliances still use energy on standby power, thus increasing your energy bills. Instead of taking the time to unplug all devices (especially when the outlets are inaccessible), smart plugs can truly power these devices off via Wi-Fi on your phone or by setting an automatic timer. Smart plugs are a financially and physically accessible energy efficiency technology available at your nearest stores, and with no installation needed. The Natural Resources Defense Council reported that if households across the U.S. reduced the load from always-on devices, consumers can save $8 billion a year on their utility bills and prevent 44 million metric tons of CO2 pollution.

2. Variable-Speed HVAC: Quiet Comfort, Smarter Cooling

Standard, single-speed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems blast at full power, shut off, and repeat. Although they can be a budget-conscious installation in the short term, they are less energy efficient in maintaining your home at a comfortable temperature. Carrier says that variable-speed HVACs can adjust airflow speed in as little as 1% increments using sensors and algorithms to consider your indoor temperature and humidity level needs. The result is steadier comfort, quieter operation, and lower bills.

3. Smart Windows: Glass That Thinks

Have you ever heard of smart windows? Yes, there is a “smart” version for everything. Smart windows use a small amount of electricity to change its tint and transparency, thus selectively reducing or admitting outdoor heat based on the time of day. This provides immense grid benefits and reduces HVAC dependence. Energy efficiency benefits aside, a Department of Energy (DOE) report on electrochromic windows noted intangible benefits, such as improved circadian rhythm, reduced seasonal affective disorder, greater productivity, and more.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

4. Advanced Window Coatings: A DIY Alternative

If you are not ready to swap out your windows, advanced window coatings are another energy efficient alternative to make your home comfortable by maintaining your home’s internal temperature through all seasons. A popular coating choice is a low-emissivity (low-e) film that can be applied directly to your current windows without the help of a professional. DOE says that low-e films can last up to 15 years as an inexpensive window solution that will not peel. In addition to saving energy, an added benefit can even be reduced fabric fading of your furniture.

5. Window Heat Pumps: Small Box, Big Energy Savings

Yet another upgrade to your windows are window heat pumps - think of it as a window AC plus a space heater. Window heat pumps are a more compact version of a standard heat pump that straddles a window frame, heating and cooling one room or open-concept area. It heats by pulling heat from outside air (even during winter), and cools by expelling heat outside from inside. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, most can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, making for an energy efficient, year-round heating and cooling solution you can self-install, cutting emissions and using less electricity per unit of cooling.

6. Cool Roofs: Shade for Your Whole House

It is no secret that buildings consume a lot of energy - 40% of the total energy used in the United States, according to DOE. Cool roofs can help offset this, and this includes paint-like coatings, shingles, tiles, metal roofs, all with reflective surfaces and granules. The Environmental Protection Agency has explained that cool roofs have solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties, reflecting sunlight to stay cool and emitting excess heat that is absorbed respectively. It is important to note that cool roofs do not necessarily cost more than a conventional roof, especially if you are already replacing an existing one. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute reports that if enough households installed cool roofs, they could ultimately reduce the overall temperature of entire cities, decrease peak energy demand, and reduce HVAC dependency, making for a comfortable environment in and outside of your home.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Bigger Picture

You don’t need a Tesla in the driveway to join the clean energy revolution. Small changes, such as buying smart plugs at your local store or ordering low-e films for your existing windows, can truly add up to higher savings and greater comfort. Even during your “once in a blue moon” blackout, your DIYs and home upgrades can save the day.

If you would like to learn about more energy efficient technologies, check ENERGY STAR’s certified product list or tools like ENERGY STAR’s Home Improvement Savings page to find incentives by zip code for eligible products.