10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home

Trusted Tips from Dragonstone Construction LLC — Certified Home Inspections in Hollister & Branson, MO

At Dragonstone Construction LLC, we believe a home should be your castle — comfortable, secure, and efficient. Whether you're in the hills of Hollister, MO, the lakeside community of Pointe Royale, or anywhere across Branson, saving money on utilities starts with smarter home practices. As certified home inspectors serving the Ozarks, we regularly find opportunities homeowners can use to slash energy bills and increase comfort.

Here’s your expert-level, hyper-local guide to energy efficiency, packed with practical upgrades and inspection-backed advice.

1. Upgrade Heating & Cooling Efficiency

Heating and cooling can account for nearly 50% of your energy bills. With extreme summer humidity and unpredictable winters in Hollister and Branson, your HVAC system works hard year-round.

Expert Tips:

• Install a programmable thermostat and use scheduling to lower temps during work hours and nights.

• Replace air filters monthly in peak seasons (especially near Table Rock Lake, where pollen and moisture levels are high).

• Seal and insulate ducts, especially in attics and crawlspaces.

• Tune up your HVAC system annually — our home inspections often uncover neglected systems wasting energy.

• Install ceiling fans to improve airflow and reduce AC usage.

Our inspections in Mill Creek and Parkside Beach regularly find energy loss due to poorly maintained HVAC systems or improper insulation — all of which can be fixed affordably.

2. Install a Tankless Water Heater

Traditional water heaters store and heat 40–80 gallons of water at all times. Tankless (on-demand) units heat only when needed.

Benefits:

• Reduces standby energy loss — a major hidden cost.

• Lasts up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

• Compact and space-saving, ideal for smaller homes or rental properties in Hollister.

Tankless water heaters are ideal for cabins near Emerald Point where usage may fluctuate seasonally. We often recommend these during energy-efficiency assessments.

3. Use Efficient Lighting

Lighting consumes about 11% of residential electricity. Outdated bulbs are still common in many homes we inspect.

Switch to:

• LEDs: Long-lasting, energy-saving, and safer.

• Smart lighting systems: Timed or sensor-based controls for closets, hallways, or exteriors.

• Dimmable fixtures: Reduce consumption and increase ambiance.

In subdivisions like Hummingbird Hills, older homes often use halogen or incandescent bulbs, which we always recommend upgrading.

4. Seal and Insulate the Home

Air leaks cause significant energy loss. During inspections, we find them most often in the attic, crawlspace, and around windows.

Action Items:

• Use caulk or foam around outlets, pipes, and attic access points.

• Install weatherstripping around exterior doors.

• Add insulation to the attic — an upgrade with massive ROI.

• Use door sweeps and draft blockers in winter.

If you live in a two-story home in The Highlands, the attic is often a major culprit in temperature loss. Proper insulation and sealing make a noticeable difference.

5. Upgrade Fixtures to Low-Flow Options

Water heating and waste can drive up energy bills — and your water bill.

Swap in:

• Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

• Dual-flush or low-gallon toilets.

• Hot water recirculation pumps to reduce waiting time.

In our inspection walk-throughs, we show clients real-time water waste from old fixtures. A few small swaps can save hundreds annually.

6. Use Appliances More Wisely

Even with Energy Star appliances, usage habits matter.

Energy Tips:

• Run appliances at full load: Dishwashers and washing machines are most efficient this way.

• Dry clothes with the moisture sensor setting.

• Unplug small electronics when not in use (especially chargers).

• Use smart power strips to shut off devices at night.

Homes in Skyline often have multiple entertainment systems or remote work setups. These add phantom loads that we flag during inspections.

7. Daylight Your Home

Natural light not only saves energy — it improves mood and ambiance.

Solutions:

• Install light tubes or sun tunnels to brighten interior rooms.

• Add clerestory or transom windows to allow in more light.

• Use reflective surfaces to bounce daylight deeper into living spaces.

We’ve worked with homeowners in Pointe Royale looking to reduce lighting bills and add charm. Our inspection reports often include lighting efficiency suggestions.

8. Weatherproof Windows & Doors

Branson homes often face wind-driven rain, humidity, and heat. This makes door and window sealing vital.

What to Do:

• Replace cracked seals or rotting frames.

• Use storm windows or plastic film in winter.

• Install exterior shutters or insulated curtains for temperature control.

• Inspect for gaps or warping annually — especially in wood-framed homes.

We frequently recommend window upgrades in older homes across Sunset Cove, many of which still have original single-pane windows.

9. Smart Cooking Practices

Kitchens can be sneaky energy users.

Efficiency Tips:

• Use pressure cookers or air fryers — faster, less energy.

• Keep lids on pots to trap heat.

• Avoid preheating for baked goods unless the recipe requires it.

• Use the smallest pot for the job to avoid waste.

We’ve advised homeowners in Country Farm Estates to invest in convection ovens or induction cooktops, which are safer and more efficient.

10. Optimize Your Laundry Routine

Your washer and dryer are likely the biggest appliance users in your home.

Laundry Hacks:

• Wash with cold water.

• Clean the lint trap every load.

• Dry similar fabrics together to reduce dry time.

• Line-dry when possible, especially in summer.

• Upgrade to a ventless dryer in small spaces.

In multi-family units or vacation rentals, we also recommend checking for dryer vent blockages — a fire hazard and energy waster.

Most Asked Google FAQs About Home Energy Savings

Q: How much can I save by making my home energy-efficient?
A: Most homeowners save 10%–30% on their energy bills with basic improvements. With deeper upgrades, annual savings can exceed $1,000.

Q: Can a home inspection reveal energy problems?
A: Absolutely. Our home inspections in Hollister and Branson often uncover outdated insulation, HVAC leaks, and appliance inefficiencies that directly affect energy use.

Q: What tax credits are available for energy upgrades in Missouri?
A: Homeowners may qualify for federal energy tax credits and Missouri-based utility rebates for insulation, HVAC upgrades, and window replacements.

Q: Should I upgrade appliances or insulate first?
A: Start with sealing and insulation — these passive improvements cut costs immediately. Then target high-use appliances like water heaters and HVAC units.

Q: Is an energy audit worth it?
A: Yes! A professional audit pinpoints areas where you’re losing energy and gives you a customized game plan to save more.

Final Fix: A Dragonstone Construction LLC Battle Report

Our team has inspected hundreds of homes across Hollister, Branson, and surrounding neighborhoods like The Highlands and Emerald Point. What we’ve learned is simple: big savings come from small changes.

From sealing your attic hatch to choosing LED bulbs and running your washer more wisely, these practical adjustments are the first step toward a smarter, more affordable home.

Don’t just live in your house — rule it.

Fortify Your Home Now

Let Dragonstone Construction LLC help you protect your comfort and your wallet. Our certified home inspections highlight efficiency upgrades specific to your home and location.

📍 Serving Branson, Hollister, Pointe Royale, Emerald Point, and surrounding Ozarks communities
📞 417-413-9868
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