Energy Makeover (after): 7 top takeaways

When Sarah began her “energy makeover” journey, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many homeowners, she wanted to make her home more energy efficient but didn’t know where to start or how to prioritize upgrades. As a single mom of two, budgeting for upgrades was also a big factor.

Now, after completing a full year of improvements, her home is noticeably more comfortable and more efficient. Here are five lessons she learned along the way that can help guide your own energy-saving efforts.

1. Start with an energy evaluation — it might surprise you

“Even though I work at PGE and talk about energy all the time, I didn’t fully realize how much hot water contributed to my energy use,” Sarah says.

That’s why she started with a free online home energy analysis. It helped her get a baseline understanding of where her home was losing energy and how small behavioral changes — like switching to LEDs or washing clothes in cold water — could make a difference.

“It was a low-stakes way to start. It gave me clarity and motivation to tackle the next steps,” she says.

If you’re just getting started, this kind of no-cost energy analysis is a smart way to find quick wins and identify potential upgrades.

2. A professional home energy audit is worth the investment

When Sarah was ready to take a deeper dive, she scheduled a professional home energy audit.

“A certified building analyst came to my house and did a top-to-bottom inspection — from attic to crawl space,” she says. “He gave me data I could use and helped prioritize where to spend my budget.”

That audit made it clear that air sealing and insulation should come first. “I probably wouldn’t have made those upgrades right away without that expert guidance,” Sarah says. “Now I can actually feel the difference — it’s warmer, cozier and the heat stays in.”

Home energy audits typically start around $200, but the insight and savings can quickly pay off.

3. Heat pumps deliver big comfort upgrades

Of all the energy-efficiency upgrades Sarah made, her favorite might be the ductless heat pump.

“It’s so much more comfortable than the old system,” she says. “The heat is evenly distributed — not blowing hot and cold all the time — and I love that we can set different temperatures in different zones of the house.”

Ductless heat pumps are especially popular in Oregon because they work well year-round. They’re also highly efficient, which can help lower your energy bills over time.

And with incentives from PGE and Energy Trust of Oregon, they’re more affordable than you might think.

4. Learn how to run your new equipment efficiently

Installing new equipment is just the first step — learning how to use it properly is key.

"At first, I kept adjusting the thermostat up and down like I did with my old system,” Sarah says. “But heat pumps actually work better when you leave them at a consistent setting.”

Large temperature swings can trigger backup heating systems, which use more energy and take longer to reach your comfort zone.

Sarah found that her home stayed perfectly toasty between 65 and 66 degrees — lower than the 68 to 69 she used to set with her old system.

5. Seal and insulate your home — but don’t forget ventilation

Air sealing and insulation were a game changer for Sarah’s home, but they also came with an important reminder:

“You can seal a home too tightly,” she says. “Without proper ventilation, you risk poor indoor air quality.”

When upgrading your home’s structure, it’s smart to ask your contractor about fresh air solutions — like controlled ventilation systems — to keep air clean and healthy.

6. Look for rebates and special offers

“I wouldn’t have done all of this without the incentives,” Sarah admits. “The Energy Trust cash back, plus PGE’s heat pump promotion, made everything more doable.”

Before you invest in energy-efficiency upgrades, check out the rebates available to you. From smart thermostats and weatherization to water heating and HVAC systems, there are plenty of ways to save money while saving energy.

7. Stretch your budget with a little DIY

Every project comes with choices. Sarah tackled what she could herself and hired professionals for the rest.

"I would have loved to pay someone to paint when I moved in," she said. "But the insulation was going to save me money every month, so I spent my limited budget there."

She knew the weatherization work would have a lasting impact, so she brought in the experts for that, then hosted a painting party to give her home's exterior a fresh look.