In Palm Springs, where temperatures regularly soar and cooling systems work overtime, improving energy efficiency isn’t just a green initiative—it’s a smart financial decision. Whether preparing a property for sale or simply looking to reduce monthly expenses, identifying cheap ways to make home more energy efficient can significantly impact both short-term operating costs and long-term property value. Fortunately, homeowners don’t need to invest in full-scale renovations to see results. Many affordable upgrades can create measurable improvements in a home’s efficiency, comfort, and marketability.
As a trusted real estate team in Palm Springs, the Bernal-Smith Group regularly advises clients on cost-effective strategies to enhance energy performance. With decades of experience in the Coachella Valley, their insight into climate-responsive improvements helps homeowners make informed decisions that align with both their budget and the unique demands of desert living.
Start With a Home Energy Audit
The most strategic way to begin improving energy efficiency is by identifying where your home is currently losing energy. A home energy audit—whether conducted professionally or as a DIY walkthrough—pinpoints problem areas such as drafty windows, under-insulated attics, and inefficient appliances. For homeowners in Palm Springs, this evaluation is particularly important because the desert environment places unique stress on a home’s insulation and cooling systems.
Local utility providers, such as Southern California Edison, occasionally offer low-cost or even free energy audits to residents. These audits often include recommendations ranked by cost and return on investment, giving homeowners a clear blueprint for where to begin. When looking for cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, a well-informed plan ensures resources are directed where they’ll make the biggest impact.
Local utility providers, such as Southern California Edison, occasionally offer low-cost or even free energy audits to residents. These audits often include recommendations ranked by cost and return on investment, giving homeowners a clear blueprint for where to begin. When looking for cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, a well-informed plan ensures resources are directed where they’ll make the biggest impact.
Weatherstrip Doors and Windows
One of the most overlooked yet impactful upgrades is sealing air leaks around doors and windows. In older homes or even newer builds with standard-grade materials, small gaps can let cooled air escape and allow hot air to seep in—causing HVAC systems to work harder. Adding weatherstripping or applying caulk around problem areas is a low-cost fix that can significantly reduce air loss.
In Palm Springs, where temperatures in the summer can climb above 110°F, sealing these gaps is critical. Not only does it improve interior comfort, but it also extends the life of air conditioning units by reducing workload. It’s one of the most effective cheap ways to make home more energy efficient that homeowners can often tackle themselves in a weekend.
In Palm Springs, where temperatures in the summer can climb above 110°F, sealing these gaps is critical. Not only does it improve interior comfort, but it also extends the life of air conditioning units by reducing workload. It’s one of the most effective cheap ways to make home more energy efficient that homeowners can often tackle themselves in a weekend.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats, such as the Google Nest or ecobee, offer Palm Springs homeowners an affordable way to optimize climate control. These devices learn a household’s schedule and adjust temperatures accordingly, reducing energy use during unoccupied hours and fine-tuning cooling to meet comfort preferences efficiently.
Given the high energy use associated with air conditioning in desert climates, even small reductions in HVAC runtime can lead to substantial savings. Smart thermostats also allow remote control via smartphone apps—an ideal feature for second-home owners who want to manage energy usage while away. Installing a smart thermostat typically costs under $200, yet it’s one of the most impactful cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, often paying for itself within the first year.
Given the high energy use associated with air conditioning in desert climates, even small reductions in HVAC runtime can lead to substantial savings. Smart thermostats also allow remote control via smartphone apps—an ideal feature for second-home owners who want to manage energy usage while away. Installing a smart thermostat typically costs under $200, yet it’s one of the most impactful cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, often paying for itself within the first year.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
Swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for LED lighting is a simple, inexpensive upgrade with long-lasting benefits. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 times longer, significantly reducing both energy bills and replacement frequency.
In Palm Springs homes where large picture windows and open floor plans allow for abundant natural light during the day, LED upgrades are especially effective in reducing evening and night-time energy usage. They also emit less heat, which helps keep indoor temperatures lower—an important consideration when cooling systems are already working hard. Whether retrofitting recessed lighting or replacing decorative fixtures, this is one of the most accessible cheap ways to make home more energy efficient with immediate results.
In Palm Springs homes where large picture windows and open floor plans allow for abundant natural light during the day, LED upgrades are especially effective in reducing evening and night-time energy usage. They also emit less heat, which helps keep indoor temperatures lower—an important consideration when cooling systems are already working hard. Whether retrofitting recessed lighting or replacing decorative fixtures, this is one of the most accessible cheap ways to make home more energy efficient with immediate results.
Use Window Film or Solar Shades
With Palm Springs’ year-round sunshine, managing solar heat gain is essential. Installing UV-reflective window film or solar shades helps block radiant heat before it enters the home, reducing the interior temperature and decreasing the need for continuous air conditioning. These products are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and often eligible for rebates or incentives.
For homeowners not ready to invest in new dual-pane or low-E windows, solar window film provides a cost-effective alternative that can extend the life of furniture and flooring while boosting overall efficiency. It’s a practical, climate-specific solution among the cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, particularly in properties with large south- or west-facing windows.
For homeowners not ready to invest in new dual-pane or low-E windows, solar window film provides a cost-effective alternative that can extend the life of furniture and flooring while boosting overall efficiency. It’s a practical, climate-specific solution among the cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, particularly in properties with large south- or west-facing windows.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
A simple yet critical component of any energy-saving plan is maintaining HVAC filters. In dusty desert climates, filters can clog quickly, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy to maintain temperature. Replacing filters every one to three months—depending on usage and indoor air quality—keeps the system running at peak efficiency and improves overall air circulation.
This routine maintenance task not only saves energy but also prolongs the lifespan of the HVAC unit, preventing expensive breakdowns. Among the cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, it stands out for its affordability, ease, and effectiveness.
This routine maintenance task not only saves energy but also prolongs the lifespan of the HVAC unit, preventing expensive breakdowns. Among the cheap ways to make home more energy efficient, it stands out for its affordability, ease, and effectiveness.
Embrace Strategic Landscaping
Outdoor improvements can also contribute to energy efficiency. Planting shade trees or installing trellises with climbing vines near sun-exposed windows helps block solar heat before it reaches the house. Xeriscaping with native plants not only conserves water but also reduces heat reflection from hardscaping surfaces.
In Palm Springs, thoughtful landscaping can reduce cooling demands while enhancing curb appeal—a combination that benefits both homeowners and prospective buyers. While full-scale landscaping can be an investment, small changes like adding shade sails or strategically placing potted plants offer a budget-friendly way to reduce solar impact.
In Palm Springs, thoughtful landscaping can reduce cooling demands while enhancing curb appeal—a combination that benefits both homeowners and prospective buyers. While full-scale landscaping can be an investment, small changes like adding shade sails or strategically placing potted plants offer a budget-friendly way to reduce solar impact.
Improve Water Heating Efficiency
While most energy-saving advice focuses on cooling in desert regions, water heating remains a significant household energy cost year-round. Wrapping older water heaters in insulating blankets and lowering the thermostat to 120°F are simple, inexpensive changes that reduce standby heat loss.
Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators further minimizes water heating demand, especially in larger homes or vacation properties with multiple bathrooms. These water efficiency upgrades often qualify for utility rebates and are among the easiest cheap ways to make home more energy efficient without compromising comfort.
Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators further minimizes water heating demand, especially in larger homes or vacation properties with multiple bathrooms. These water efficiency upgrades often qualify for utility rebates and are among the easiest cheap ways to make home more energy efficient without compromising comfort.
Small Investments, Lasting Savings
Energy efficiency doesn’t have to require large capital investments. For homeowners in Palm Springs, starting with small, targeted improvements can result in meaningful monthly savings and an overall more comfortable living environment. Many of these updates also contribute to a home’s market appeal—especially for buyers who value sustainability, smart technology, and low maintenance living.
In a real estate market where buyers are increasingly looking for move-in ready, environmentally conscious homes, these enhancements can strengthen a property's competitive position. Whether prepping a home for sale or simply planning long-term improvements, the right energy-efficient upgrades offer a measurable return.
In a real estate market where buyers are increasingly looking for move-in ready, environmentally conscious homes, these enhancements can strengthen a property's competitive position. Whether prepping a home for sale or simply planning long-term improvements, the right energy-efficient upgrades offer a measurable return.
Explore Cheap Ways to Make Home More Energy Efficient With Bernal-Smith Group
For Palm Springs homeowners and sellers looking to improve performance without breaking the budget, understanding cheap ways to make home more energy efficient is a smart first step. From minor upgrades to strategic improvements, these changes can enhance comfort, reduce costs, and add value. The Bernal-Smith Group offers personalized guidance to help clients make informed decisions based on their goals, home condition, and the local climate. Connect with the Bernal-Smith Group to learn how affordable energy efficiency upgrades can elevate your property’s livability and market appeal.
