Living in St. Louis, MO, means preparing for both humid, sweltering summers and freezing winters. With energy costs on the rise in 2026, finding ways to improve your home’s efficiency isn’t just about going green. It’s about protecting your wallet.
Making your home more energy efficient involves a combination of small behavioral changes and strategic upgrades. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to lower your utility bills while increasing your comfort year-round.
Benefits of an Energy Efficient Home in St. Louis, MO
Investing in efficiency offers more than just lower monthly bills. For Missouri and Illinois homeowners, the advantages include:
- Enhanced Comfort: Eliminating drafts and cold spots ensures every room stays at a consistent temperature.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes often sell faster and at higher price points.
- Better Air Quality: Sealing air leaks prevents external pollutants and allergens from entering your living space, which improves indoor air quality.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: When your home holds its temperature better, your system doesn’t have to cycle as often, extending the HVAC lifespan.
10 Home Energy Efficiency Tips
Improving your home’s performance doesn’t always require a major renovation. Here are ten practical ways to start saving today.
1. Seal and Insulate Your “Envelope”
The easiest step is sealing cracks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. However, the biggest energy losers are often invisible. Ensure your attic and basement are properly insulated to prevent heat from escaping through the roof.
2. Upgrade to LED Lighting
Lighting accounts for roughly 15% of home electricity use. Switching to LEDs can save the average home over $225 annually because they use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Home automation allows for precise climate control. By adjusting temperatures automatically when you are asleep or away, a smart thermostat can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling.
4. Manage Your Windows with Thermal Curtains
Use heavy thermal curtains to trap heat in the winter and reflective blinds to block the St. Louis sun in the summer. This simple change can reduce heat gain by up to 60%.
5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
In the winter, run your ceiling fans in a clockwise direction at a low speed. This pushes the warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the living space.
6. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in most homes. Lowering your heater to 120°F (from the standard 140°F) can save up to 5% on your water heating costs.
7. Schedule an Annual HVAC Tune-Up
A well-maintained system uses significantly less energy. Professionals can clean coils and check refrigerant levels to ensure your system isn’t overworking to provide the same amount of comfort.
8. Replace Air Filters Every 1–3 Months
A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your blower motor to work harder. Simply changing a clogged filter can lower your energy consumption by up to 15%.
9. Use “Eco” Settings on Appliances
Modern dishwashers and washing machines often have “Eco” modes that use less water and lower temperatures, which can cut appliance energy use by nearly 30%.
10. Unplug “Vampire” Electronics
Devices like chargers, coffee makers, and game consoles draw power even when turned off. Using smart power strips can automatically cut this phantom load and save you money every month.
How to Improve Home Energy Efficiency with HVAC
Your heating and cooling system is the largest energy consumer in your home. To maximize efficiency, you should focus on these strategic upgrades:
Most Energy Efficient Way to Heat a Home
In 2026, Electric Heat Pumps are considered the gold standard for efficiency. They move heat rather than generating it, producing up to 3–4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used. For St. Louis winters, a Dual Fuel System (Heat Pump + Gas Furnace backup) is often the ideal choice.
What is the Best SEER2 Rating for an Energy-Efficient Home?
SEER2 measures how efficiently your system cools your home; the higher the number, the lower your monthly Ameren or Spire bills. While federal minimums for the North sit at 13.4 SEER2, we recommend a rating of 16 to 18 SEER2 for the humid St. Louis climate to balance upfront cost with maximum comfort.
With the expiration of the $2,000 federal tax credit on December 31, 2025, local incentives are now the best way to save. Meyer Heating & Air is currently offering a limited-time rebate program on qualifying American Standard high-efficiency systems, with total rebates reaching up to $1,500.
Best HVAC Services for Energy-Efficient Homes
To maintain peak performance, focus on specialized services like:
- Professional Duct Sealing: Leaky ducts can waste 20% to 30% of your HVAC’s output.
- Zoning Systems: These allow you to cool or heat only the rooms you are currently using.
Ready to Lower Your Energy Bills?
Upgrading your home’s efficiency is a smart investment, and Meyer Heating & Air is ready to lead the way. We provide premier heating and cooling services in St. Louis City and Wentzville to ensure every home runs at peak performance. Whether you own a historic brick home or a new construction, our NATE-certified team is here to help. As the go-to HVAC contractors in Maryville, IL, and Belleville, we specialize in high-efficiency heat pump installation to help you save on every utility bill.
Contact Meyer Heating & Air today to start your journey toward a more efficient home!
Home Efficiency FAQ
Are new homes more energy efficient?
Yes. Due to stricter building codes and modern materials, new homes are typically 20% to 30% more efficient than those built just 20 years ago.
Are brick homes more energy efficient?
Brick has high thermal mass, meaning it absorbs and holds heat well. This provides a “lag time” that helps keep interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter compared to wood siding.
How does home automation improve energy efficiency?
Smart home devices like automated blinds, smart plugs, and thermostats optimize your energy use based on your actual habits, ensuring you never pay for energy you aren’t using.